Kalejaiye Family battle against Land Grabbers and Chinese Investors in Ogun State

In a distressing tale of land grabbers and encroachment, the Kalejaiye family of Ogere Remo in Ogun State, Nigeria, finds themselves embroiled in a long-standing battle to reclaim their farmland.

For years, this farmland was the lifeblood of the family, providing sustenance and a source of livelihood. However, their lives took a devastating turn when land grabbers, allegedly in collusion with Chinese nationals/investors, illegally seized their land, uprooted palm trees, and even employed the protection of military personnel to deter the family from reclaiming their property.

According to the family, the land was purchased in the 1970s and for decades, they relied on it to produce palm oil, which not only provided for their needs but also contributed to the local economy. It was an essential part of their heritage and their livelihood.

Mr. Leke Kalejaiye, speaking on behalf of the family, recounts the heart-wrenching events that have unfolded. According to him, their nightmare began in July when he received a distressing call from farm workers who reported that unidentified individuals, with heavy machinery, were clearing their land. At first, it was assumed to be a legal land survey or development project. However, it soon became evident that these individuals were determined to seize the land by force.

The Kalejaiye family, rightfully holding a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the land since 2013, immediately reported the intrusion to the Ogere police station. This should have been the first step towards justice and a resolution. However, the land grabbers appeared unfazed, even in the face of the Kalejaiye family’s legal documentation.

What makes this situation even more bewildering is the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in the land grab. These foreign investors purportedly bought the land from the encroachers and have started constructing a factory on it. To shield their questionable actions, they have reportedly enlisted the protection of military personnel to deter the Kalejaiye family from repossessing their ancestral property.

In their desperation, Mr. Kalejaiye sought help from Zone 2 authorities. The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) issued orders for arrests in response to the family’s plea. Yet, when they arrived at the scene with the intent to regain their land, they were met with a harsh reality. The land grabbers, buoyed by the presence of the military, thwarted the family’s efforts and clung to the land they had occupied illegally.

Such a situation is disheartening and raises significant concerns about the rule of law and land rights in Nigeria. While land disputes are not uncommon, the involvement of foreign investors and military personnel adds a layer of complexity and urgency to the Kalejaiye family’s struggle for justice.

When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, claimed to be unaware of the report. This adds another layer of frustration for the family, as it raises questions about the responsiveness of the local authorities to such disputes.

In a country where land disputes often escalate into violence and protracted legal battles, the Kalejaiye family’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ordinary citizens face when trying to protect their property rights. The land, which holds their history and livelihood, is now a battleground between desperate families and opportunistic encroachers, with the added complexity of foreign investors and military involvement.

The story of the Kalejaiye family should serve as a rallying cry for greater attention to land rights and property protection in Nigeria. The plight of this family highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to resolving land disputes and ensuring that the rights of citizens, particularly those with legal documentation like the Kalejaiye family, are protected and upheld.

In a society that aspires to grow economically and develop its infrastructure, it is crucial to safeguard the rights of landowners and foster an environment where the rule of law prevails over land grabbers and opportunistic investors. The Kalejaiye family’s quest for justice should not be in vain; it should serve as a catalyst for change in how land rights disputes are handled in Nigeria.