By Ayodele Oni
Ekiti State Government has warned the traditional ruler of Iyin, Oluyin, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaiye against forceful acquisition of land, which does not belong to him.
Government expressed displeasure over frequent allegations of land grabbing against the monarch and thereby advised him from engaging in any unlawful land acquisitions in his community.
In a letter addressed to the monarch by the Executive Secretary, Bureau of Land Services, M. K. Ojo, the state government cautioned the monarch and warned him never to involve in any form of unlawful acquisitions, stressing that such act violate the provisions of both the Land Use Act and the State Anti-Land Grabbing Law.
The letter, which was issued to the monarch as a result of series of complaints from Iyin-Ekiti indigenes and affected family members to government, stated that the unlawful land grabbing by the monarch was for an alleged palace expansion without due process .
The state government directed the Oluyin to return the lands that were unlawfully acquired to the original owners and
warned him to ensure that all land transactions and allocations done in Iyin-Ekiti are conducted in strict compliance with the relevant laws.
The letter reads in parts: “The Land Use Act, Cap L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (No. 6 of 1978) Section 1, provides that all land within the territory of each State in the Federation is vested in the Governor of that State.
“The Ekiti State Property Protection (Anti-Land Grabbing) Law, 2024 as Amended, also criminalizes forceful entry and unlawful occupation of land.
“Section 4 of this Anti-Grabbing Law specifically prohibits any individual or group from engaging in acts of land grabbing for personal purposes.
“Your Royal Majesty is hereby informed that the State Government disapproves and frowns at all unlawful land transactions that violate the provisions of both the Land Use Act and the State Anti-Land Grabbing Law, particularly those being perpetrated under your authority, and therefore directs that such be stopped forthwith.
“I am further instructed to convey that any land unlawfully acquired by Your Royal Majesty from individuals should be returned to the original owners without further delay.
“Going forward, you are respectfully urged to ensure that all land transactions and allocations done in Iyin-Ekiti, are conducted in strict compliance with the aforementioned and other relevant laws.
“This will help prevent unnecessary land disputes, protect the interests of indigenes, and also uphold the dignity of your revered stool.
“While the State Government holds the traditional institution in high regard and acknowledges its important roles, it is our responsibility to promote peace, progress, and development in Iyin-Ekiti and Ekiti State at large.”
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