The Osun State Government has banned the Olu of Ile-Ogbo, Oba Abeeb Adetoyese Agbaje Arowo Okunjoye II, from transactions in land matters in his domain pending the conclusion of investigation of alleged land grabbing against the monarch.
A release made available to journalists in Osogbo, the State capital by the Spokesperson to the State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, stated that the directive was issued following the monarch’s appearance before the duo of Osun State Attorney-General, and Commissioner for Local Government and Cheiftaincy Affairs, Akande Oluwafemi Jimoh and
Dosu Babatunde, respectively.
The statement said that the decision became necessary to curtail frequent alleged cases of land grabbing by the monarch within Ile-Ogbo and surrounding villages.
“It could be recalled that many people from Ile-Ogbo township, Eleni and Moomu Abimbola villages have written several petitions against Oba Abeeb on his royal conducts of forceful acquisition and sales of subjects land, and subsequent intimidation of innocent land owners using the judiciary and the police.
“He was banned from participating in land transactions and using any of his palace cronies to engage in forceful acquisition of citizens land. He was told to warn his emissaries and accomplices mostly the head of Ile-Ogbo princes, Gbadewolu Oyelami Kasali and other chiefs he uses to perpetrate the alleged illegality.
“Aside from numerous newspaper publications, we have received petitions against the Palace and office of the Olu of Ile-Ogbo, HRM Oba Abeeb Adetoyese Agbaje Arowo Okunjoye II of forceful land acquisition and sales.
“Most of those publications and petitions are pointing to the state government as an accomplice. Just two days ago, it was boldly written on the front page of The Guardian Newspaper, of helpless people seeking government intervention.
“To sustain the integrity of our government and ensure a peaceful atmosphere in Ile-Ogbo and adjoining villages, the Olu of Ileogbo should stop engaging in land transactions in whatever form within the Ayedire Local Government pending our investigation.
“We have set up committee to investigate and come up with report and recommendations. The warning should be respected. Anyone whose land has been taken unjustly or forcefully should not hesitate to get across through the Osun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,” the statement said.
