As part of efforts to combat the rising cases of land grabbing in Ogun State, the State Government has urged members of the public to exercise due diligence before purchasing any landed property.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, made this known on Thursday in an interview with journalists.
He emphasized that despite the existence of land-grabbing laws and a dedicated committee, the Ministry of Justice continues to face significant challenges in tackling land-related disputes.
Ogungbade advised prospective land buyers to seek professional guidance from certified estate practitioners and qualified legal experts before committing to any transactions, warning that individuals who disrupt public order or engage in illegal land dealings would face the full weight of the law.
“The Ogun State Government is doing everything legally possible to ensure that cases of land grabbing are drastically reduced, if not completely eradicated,” he stated.
Shedding light on a recent dispute involving the Fibiwoga Family, Ogungbade clarified that the family is not the rightful owner of a disputed 350-acre property. According to him, although the family initially secured a favorable ruling from a customary court, further investigation by the Bureau of Lands revealed that a portion of the land in question belongs to the government.
“They came to the Ministry of Justice claiming that another family was trespassing on their land. I invited both parties and requested surveys of the land. The Bureau of Lands’ investigation revealed that part of the 350 acres the Fibiwoga Family is claiming falls within government-owned land. I informed them that this is not just a private matter—it concerns government property, and I will do everything within my power to defend it,” Ogungbade said.
He added that steps were underway to reverse the initial court judgment and acknowledged the legal action reportedly being initiated by the family. However, he noted that the ministry had yet to receive any formal letter or court notice.
Ogungbade reaffirmed his commitment to delivering justice without fear or intimidation, assuring the public that justice would be served fairly and transparently.
The government’s renewed warning aims to protect citizens from falling victim to fraudulent land deals and to reinforce the state’s resolve to tackle land grabbing through legal and administrative means.
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