Ogun Residents Protest Against Land Grabbers, Seek Government Help

Residents of Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi, Imosan, and nearby communities in Ogun State protested on Monday. They warned that the actions of suspected land grabbers could lead to serious problems if the Federal and Ogun State governments do not act quickly.

The residents claimed that the land grabbers, with help from some security agents, have been using bulldozers to destroy buildings. They also said these land grabbers have been harassing anyone who tries to stop them.

During the protest, many residents carried placards with messages like “Gov Dapo Abiodun save us from land grabbers”, “President Bola Tinubu rescue us from land grabbers”, and “Ogun State Assembly, please save us from land grabbers”. They also called on IGP Tunji Disu and the DSS to protect the people of Ikangba, Imodi, Agoro, and Imosan from these land grabbers.

The protesters demanded that President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abiodun act fast. They explained that if nothing is done, the land grabbers' actions could lead to a serious communal crisis.

Comrade John Nicholas Eko, a resident of Ikangba and Ogun State Coordinator of the Campaign for Workers and Democratic Rights, spoke to reporters. He said the protest aimed to call on the government to help over 500,000 people who could lose their homes if these land grabbers succeed.

Eko said, “We are here today to protest against the activities of land grabbers attempting to take over the communities of Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi, and Imosan. Together, these communities are home to more than 500,000 residents.

“These land grabbers are attempting to drive people away from their ancestral lands. These land grabbers are collaborating with certain security operatives who always accompany them whenever they come with bulldozers, which they use to destroy farms, crops, buildings, and other property.

“Residents have also been subjected to intimidation, harassment, extortion, and various forms of abuse. We are saying that enough is enough.

“We therefore appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to intervene urgently. The governor has repeatedly stated that land grabbing will not be tolerated in Ogun State. We ask him to ensure that this law is enforced in Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi, and Imosun.”

A community leader, Professor Gafar Ayodeji, also spoke. He said the residents had tried peaceful ways to settle the issue before deciding to protest.

Ayodeji mentioned that meetings with police officers and other respected people did not stop the land grabbers. He pointed out that despite the Ogun State Anti-Land-Grabbing Law of 2016, the invaders continued to come with bulldozers to destroy buildings and crops.

“We have organised this protest because we do not want anyone to take the law into their own hands. We are asking the government to act before the situation escalates,” he said.

“These land grabbers are not our community leaders; they are not Baales or Olori-Ituns. We do not know them. If they have any grievances, they should seek legal redress in court or engage with the recognised Baales and Olori-Ituns of the affected communities,” he added.

The Baale of Ikangba, High Chief Joseph S. Adebanjo, a retired Nigerian Army officer, reported that the suspected land grabbers used heavy equipment to destroy buildings, farms, and other property while claiming ownership of the land.

Chief Adebanjo said, “We reported these incidents to the police, but no meaningful action was taken. Instead, we witnessed some security operatives accompanying those carrying out these activities. It is difficult to understand why law enforcement would protect individuals accused of invading another community,” Adebanjo said.

He warned that if the destruction continues, it could lead to unrest if the government does not act quickly.

“We do not want to take the law into our own hands. That is why we are making this public appeal and asking the government to intervene promptly,” he added.

Chief Adeniyi Oduneye, the Alashe Yemule of Ikangba and a retired teacher, also addressed the protesters. He shared that the community has existed for centuries without such problems.

Oduneye traced the history of Ikangba to the early nineteenth century, saying the community has been peaceful for generations until now.

“We have lived in this community for generations, and we have never experienced anything like this,” he said.

“Now, strangers have come claiming ownership of our land, yet we do not know them.

“These people have brought land grabbers into our community. They are extorting money from residents building homes and carrying out construction. They claim ownership of land stretching from Ikangba to Okun-Owa. How can anyone legitimately claim such an expanse of land?”

He asked the media to help spread the word about the situation and called on the state government to act fast to prevent more destruction and restore peace.

Chief Taiwo Onasanya, Oloritun of Odomasha, Ikangba, Alhaji Dauda Quadri, and Chief Emmanuel Oladele Osho, along with other community leaders, also condemned the actions of these criminals. They said the land grabbers are only trying to create conflict in the communities.

They pleaded for urgent government action, saying that residents have been living in fear since the land grabbers invaded their communities.