Group Accuses Osun Govt Of Land-grabbing, High-handedness

An Osun based socio-political organization, The Osun Renaissance Project, has condemned actions it termed land-grabbing and high-handedness in the Adeleke-led Osun State Government.

The organization in a statement issued yesterday, stated that it had noted with
deep regrets, attempts by powerful persons within the Adeleke government to use the instruments of the State, to allegedly acquire land illegally, even against clear dictates of existing Court judgments.

According to the statement signed by Olalekan Fagbemi, spokesperson of the
organization, which was made available to journalists in Osogbo, on Tuesday “earlier in July 2024, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, interfered with the execution of a valid court judgment on the Igbo Kenya expanse of land situated around Capital Hotel, Osogbo.”

“While the interference was going on, aides of the Speaker reportedly assaulted the Lawyer who represented the family to whom legal ownership of the land had been awarded by the Court. This action has led to needless litigation, dragging the exalted office of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly into disrepute.”

“We note with great regrets however, that the attempts to illegally take over the
disputed land has taken another dimension. Using sheer force that is not backed by any valid Court Order or Judgment, persons acting on the instructions of certain persons within the Adeleke government, have since seized the land, fenced it, and erected a billboard that reads ‘Livingspring Technical College Mall and Living Spring
Technical College Housing Estate’ on the said land.”

“The Developer of the Project, as shown on the Billboard is one Zoe Global Industrial Limited. Our search revealed that a certain Oyinlola Oluwafeyijinmi Oyemade, who is a known ally of the Speaker, holds 80% stake in the company. This further fuels the
suspicion that the attempt to forcefully take over the land, and the personal
involvement of the Speaker in stopping the enforcement of the subsisting Court
judgment, are deliberate attempts to favour cronies of the Speaker, at the detriment of ordinary Osun people.”

“We must mention that the land in question, rightfully belongs to the Gbaemu Royal Family of Osogbo, and this fact has been established by a Court of competent jurisdiction. While we are aware of the State Government’s institution of another litigation on the land, we are also aware that the Court has neither fixed a date for hearing on the applications, nor has it delivered any judgment in this respect. It is thus shocking that persons hiding behind the image and powers of the Osun State
Government are pursuing this greedy objective.”

“It must be mentioned that this pattern is becoming familiar with the Adeleke
government. The public will recall that recently, attempts to redefine the Geographical identity of Halleluyah Estate was made by persons known to wield powers in the Adeleke Government. We are worried therefore, that if this trend is allowed to continue, the abuse of power and privileges may lead our dear State into
anarchy.”

“We call on the Osun State Governor to immediately call his hangers-on to order and direct everyone around him to obey the rule of law and sanctity of the Court’s
decisions in every matter that concerns the Osun State Government and its current handlers. This will forestall a breakdown of law and order.”

“The Osun Renaissance Project further called on Security Agents to desist from
allowing themselves to be used to pursue selfish agenda that may disturb the peace and tranquility that Osun State enjoys”.