The Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, has warned against unauthorised acquisition and encroachment on lands in his jurisdiction.
Olanipekun, represented by the Olupono of Osogboland, Amodu Akanbi, spoke on the sideline of a one-day programme.
The programme was organised by Kelebe Community Landlords on Monday in Osogbo.
The traditional ruler said unauthorised acquisition of lands had led to many crises, including breach of public peace and destruction of lives and property.
According to the Ataoja, a recent judgment by an Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife over land acquisition between the Nigerian Army and citizens of the state (Kelebe community) was commendable.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that an Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife on January 10, 2023 ruled that the Nigerian Army should vacate about 1,000 hectares of land unlawfully occupied since 1973 in suit number HOS/40/2020.
NAN further reports that the Kelebe community landlords approached the court on July 7, 2011 in suit number FHC/OS/CS/48/2011 to seek for the nullification of the acquisition of the occupied land.
The Nigeria Army had acquired the land through an official Gazette in 1973 without the support of the community.
Akanbi urged security services, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to address issues related to unlawful acquisition of land.
He said: “I want to advice those people who acquire land from unauthorised bodies should know that the rightful owners of the land will take such back one day.
“The judgment at the Osun High Court favoured us and we will return to our land in accordance to it and develop our community.”
Dawud Akinwusi, one of the owners of the land in dispute, said they were celebrating the victory obtained at the state High Court in Ile-Ife for returning about 1,000 hectares of land to 45 families.
Akinwusi said the disputed land was retrieved from them in 1973 through a Gazette by the Nigerian Army, but commended the recent judgment in their favour.
“The court also fined them N200 million for damages to families affected while delivering the judgement on January 10 in Ile-Ife,” he said
NAN reports that the event was witnessed by traditional rulers, security personnel, residents and other stakeholders.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
