The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has appealed for the collaboration and support of the Oyo State Police Command in joining forces with the traditional institutions in Ibadanland, including the Olubadan Advisory Council, Mogajis, and Baales, to intensify the battle against the issue of land grabbing.
The monarch made this plea at his residence in Alarere during a visit from the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebola Hamzat, as part of a familiarization tour to the palace. This visit also included several members of the top leadership of the police command.
In a press statement issued by his Media Personal Assistant, Mr. Oladele Ogunsola, and provided to journalists in Ibadan, Oba Balogun highlighted that for the ongoing collaborative efforts between the traditional institution and the police to effectively combat land grabbing, a seamless cooperation between both parties is essential.
Speaking through his representative, ‘Baba Kekere’ Sen. Kola Balogun, at the event attended by some of the Mogajis, led by their President-General, Chief Asimiyu Adepoju Ariori, the Olubadan reiterated his firm commitment to eradicating the issue of land grabbing. He stressed that this commitment could not be compromised, hence the importance of rallying all stakeholders to collectively address this challenge.
“I’m passionate about ensuring that the unwholesome tag of Ibadan being notorious for land grabbing be permanently removed. Let everybody desirous of owing land in Ibadan be free to do so without let or hindrance.”
“A code of conduct is already in place that any of my Baales or Mogajis found getting involved in shady land deals would be removed and I seek your cooperation as law enforcement agents,” the monarch added.
The Olubadan also commended the police for their ongoing efforts to apprehend those responsible for the tragic killing of a young and newly inducted Nurse. The nurse’s body was discovered at the Oke-Sapati junction in Yemetu, an incident that occurred during the week. The Olubadan urged the police to persist in their pursuit of truth and justice, ensuring that the culprits are held accountable for their actions.
In response, CP Hamzat expressed his command’s dedication to collaborating with the traditional institution, as requested. He noted that the issue of land grabbing was among the topics he discussed with Governor ‘Seyi Makinde immediately upon his arrival in the state. The governor, as per the police commissioner’s account, acknowledged the existence of a law addressing this concern but acknowledged its inadequacy in effectiveness. The governor assured that steps were being taken to bolster the law, ensuring its strength and effectiveness in curbing the menace of land grabbing.
The police commissioner stated, “This development is uplifting and empowering for us in the command. When equipped with a robust law that grants us the authority to work optimally, our motivation will be heightened.”
“So, with the new law coming as promised by the governor, I can assure our revered father that his wish for a city free of land grabbing menace is almost in place.”
“We are happy too that we can rely on Your Majesty for advice, counselling and support at all times as you have been doing over the years.”
“The people own us and we are being paid from their taxes to work for them and this I pledge on behalf of the Command to continually do conscientiously,” the Oyo Police boss said.
