Land Grabbing: Fountain University Threatens Legal Action Against Encroachers

Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State has raised alarm over what it describes as a criminal invasion of its legally owned 124.349-hectare land by suspected land grabbers, accusing the police of turning a blind eye to the encroachers while arresting university staff instead.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the university’s Registrar, Sheriff Adenekan, detailed how individuals allegedly stormed the institution’s property at the Agric farm Settlement Area of Oke-Osun, Osogbo, in October 2024.

The invaders, according to him destroyed signposts and began surveying and selling the land illegally.

Despite reporting the invasion to the police, the university claims law enforcement agencies failed to act against the land grabbers but instead arrested and prosecuted university staff members and a contractor.

“This is a shocking twist, while our staff and contractor are being criminally charged for protecting our land, the real culprits, these land grabbers, continue their illegal activities unchallenged.”

The university, which obtained a Certificate of Statutory Right of Occupancy for the land in 2006, said it had petitioned the Force Headquarters in Abuja on November 27, 2024, but has received no response. It also consulted community leaders in Osogbo, yet the encroachers remain defiant.

Frustrated by the lack of action, the institution has now threatened legal action against the invaders.

“If taking them to court will be the best way to get our property back, we’ll do that,” Adenekan declared.

Fountain University is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs, and the Inspector General of Police to urgently intervene and provide security for its staff and property.

“The law enforcement agencies must rise to their duty,” the statement emphasized.

“We are following legal and peaceful means to reclaim our land, and we expect the police to do the same, rather than victimizing the rightful owners.”

The university also warned the public against purchasing land from the encroachers, stating that any such transaction is illegal and will not be recognized.

As the dispute escalates, stakeholders in Osun State and beyond will be watching closely to see if the authorities step in to uphold the rule of law.