The traditional and once-peaceful Owu-Ikosi Kingdom within the Ikosi-Ejirin Native Council Improvement Space (LCDA) of Epe Division is dealing with rising stress as suspected land grabbers allegedly invade group lands, intimidate residents, and disrupt native companies.
At an emergency press convention held on the palace of the Olowu of Owu-Ikosi, HRM Oba Nelson Aderemi Obayomi Ogunlari, the monarch and his council of chiefs condemned the actions of the landgrabbers and distanced the royal establishment from anybody concerned in such unlawful practices.
Oba Ogunlari made a passionate enchantment to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and safety companies for pressing intervention, warning that the scenario might escalate into widespread violence if not addressed promptly.
“The state authorities ought to act rapidly earlier than it turns into one other herdsmen disaster,” the monarch cautioned. He urged the Lagos State Home of Meeting to enact stricter legal guidelines towards land grabbing and strengthen the operations of the Lagos State Process Drive on Land Grabbers (LSTF).
He additional famous that the escalating disaster threatens main state investments within the space, together with the relocation of sawmillers from Okobaba to Imofa.
Chief Olumide Osilaja, the Oluwo/Jagun Oba of Owu-Ikosi, described the scenario as dire, stating that land grabbers now occupy farmlands and harass residents.
“They’re in our farms with armed hoodlums harassing our individuals. Farmers can’t go to their farms, and our girls can’t go about their day by day companies,” Osilaja lamented.
“Individuals coming to purchase planks on the sawmills are stopped and extorted. These thugs carry cutlasses and weapons and brazenly take arduous medication, creating worry throughout the group.”
Additionally talking, the Baale of Asaasa/Oke-Odo in Owu-Ikosi, Prince Adeoluwa Adekoya, stated the group continuously hears gunshots, heightening stress amongst residents.
“Earlier than it escalates past management, we’re pleading with Governor Sanwo-Olu and safety companies to return to our rescue,” he appealed.
The group leaders collectively known as for the fast deployment of state safety operatives to revive peace and shield lives and property.
