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Lagos: Traditional ruler vows to deal with landgrabbers in Epe community

The traditional ruler also warned that landgrabbers, who exploit legal loopholes and intimidate rightful owners, would face the full wrath of the law.

• February 10, 2025
Land grabbers
Land grabbers [Credit: The DEFENDER]

The Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija in Epe, Lagos State, Babatunde Ogunlaja, has warned against land-grabbing activities within his community.

Mr Ogunlaja, at a town hall meeting in Odo-Noforija on Monday, said he would do everything possible to protect the ancestral heritage and rights to the properties of his people.

He said, “Land grabbers should stay off or be ready to incur the wrath of our ancestors because I will resist any unlawful seizure of land by individuals or groups.”

The traditional ruler also warned that landgrabbers, who exploit legal loopholes and intimidate rightful owners, would face the full wrath of the law.

“Any individual or group involved in land-grabbing should desist immediately, or they will be dealt with accordingly.

“We have established a special task force, in collaboration with local security agencies, to tackle land-related disputes and prevent illegal occupation,” said Mr Ogunlaja.

He urged affected individuals to report land encroachment cases and assured them of swift action.

“We will work closely with law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure that justice is served and that land-owners can live without fear,” he said.

Mr Ogunlaja called on governments to strengthen land administration policies and effectively enforce property rights.

The traditional ruler stressed the need for proper land documentation, urging residents to register their land titles to prevent fraudulent claims.

“Anyone caught aiding or abetting landgrabbers will not be spared but treated as an accomplice,” he warned.

A community leader, Tunde Oshin, lauded the traditional ruler’s decisive action, hoping it would end the growing menace of land-grabbing.

(NAN) 

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