Owa Obokun bans land grabbing activities in Ijesaland

The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, has issued a directive prohibiting the activities of individuals known as Omo Onile (land grabbers) who extort and harass people embarking on developmental projects across Ijesaland.

The monarch made this declaration at Obokungbusi Hall, Ilesa, during the formal inauguration of the Ijesa Development Fund, an initiative aimed at promoting infrastructural and social growth within the region.

Owa Haastrup expressed deep concern over the increasing menace of Omo Onile and their unlawful demands from land developers, stating that such acts discourage investment and retard progress.

He instructed all Ijesa sons and daughters to apprehend anyone caught engaging in the illegal practice and hand them over to the relevant authorities for prosecution.

He said, “The time has come to put an end to this disgraceful practice. Any person posing as Omo Onile to extort money or cause disruption to genuine developers must be stopped and made to face the law.”

The royal father emphasised that the development of Ijesaland remains his utmost priority, noting that peace and order were essential for the area’s economic growth and transformation.

He urged all Obas, Chiefs, and community leaders within Ijesaland to work collectively with him to restore the region’s lost glory and promote unity among the people.

“Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of intimidation or lawlessness. I call on all traditional institutions to support this initiative and ensure that our communities remain safe and welcoming for investors,” he added.

The Owa reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Ijesaland attains new heights of progress through collaboration, discipline, and adherence to the rule of law.