In a heartfelt and urgent appeal, the residents and stakeholders of Iweke, Idode, Koto-Obo, Ilobi-Omuwa, and Ileba communities in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State have issued a powerful petition to the Executive Governor of Ogun State. Titled “Petition of Urgency to the Executive Governor of Ogun State to Halt the Escalating Invasion and Destruction by Land Grabbers in Ilaro Communities,” the document paints a grim picture of escalating violence, displacement, and destruction at the hands of armed land grabbers.
“We write this petition with utmost urgency and in deep distress,” the petition begins, setting the tone for a plea that is both emotional and resolute. The communities allege that for several weeks, criminal elements have been invading their ancestral lands, defying the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law and undermining the efforts of His Royal Majesty Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland.
“Armed with dangerous weapons, these thugs are chasing away our farmers, beating up innocent villagers, destroying long-standing cash crops such as cocoa and citrus trees, and stealing livestock with alarming impunity,” the petition states. The scale of the attacks has reportedly grown to intolerable levels, displacing families who have farmed these lands peacefully for over 150 years.
The petition warns of dire consequences if the situation remains unchecked: “This could result in grave loss of lives, severe food insecurity, and economic devastation for our people.” The timing is especially critical, as the planting and harvesting season is underway, and farmers are unable to access their lands.
A major concern raised is the alleged complicity of the Nigerian Police. The petition calls on the Governor to “call the Nigerian Police to order, specifically regarding their unwarranted involvement in land disputes.” It argues that land ownership matters should be handled by the courts and traditional authorities, not law enforcement.
“These speculators, working hand-in-hand with land agents and their lawyers, have been filing baseless petitions to the police,” the petition continues, “who in turn carry out arbitrary arrests of innocent farmers.” This misuse of police power, according to the petitioners, is not only unlawful but deeply troubling.
Even more alarming is the claim that land grabbers are now using police protection to facilitate illegal land sales. “They are denying rightful farmers access to their ancestral farmlands,” the petition laments. The justification offered by the grabbers—ancestral ownership—is described as flimsy and unsupported by documentation.
The petition poses a poignant question: “Why are these individuals only now asserting ownership over lands that their fathers and forefathers never contested?” This rhetorical inquiry underscores the historical continuity of land use by the current farmers and the sudden, suspicious nature of the new claims.
In response to these threats, the petition outlines five urgent demands for the Governor:
- “Direct security agencies to immediately deploy to the affected areas to disarm and dislodge the invaders.”
- “Ensure the full enforcement of the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law.”
- “Investigate the individuals behind these coordinated attacks and bring all perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.”
- “Provide relief and support to affected families who have lost property and crops.”
- “Establish a task force or monitoring committee to prevent recurrence.”
This call to action aligns with recent developments in Ogun State. The government has already established a 10-man Special Task Force to tackle land grabbing and protect property rights A. However, the petition from Ilaro communities suggests that enforcement remains uneven and that urgent intervention is still needed.
Signed by the Olurin, Ogundele, Dosunmu, Olayanju, and Apena families, the petition represents a unified voice from the grassroots, demanding justice and protection. It is a vivid reminder that behind every acre of land lies a legacy, a livelihood, and a community fighting to preserve its heritage.
As land grabbing continues to plague various parts of Ogun State, including recent clashes in Obafemi/Owode B C, the Ilaro petition adds urgency to a growing crisis. The Governor’s response could set a precedent for how such disputes are handled across the state.
