The ancient and once-peaceful Owu-Ikosi Kingdom, in Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Epe Division, is facing growing tension as suspected land grabbers allegedly invade community lands, intimidate residents, and disrupt local businesses.

At an emergency press conference held at the palace of the Olowu of Owu-Ikosi, HRM Oba Nelson Aderemi Obayomi Ogunlari, the monarch and his council of chiefs condemned the activities of the landgrabbers and distanced the royal institution from anyone involved in such illegal practices.

Oba Ogunlari made a passionate appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and security agencies for urgent intervention, warning that the situation could escalate into widespread violence if not addressed promptly.

“The state government should act quickly before it becomes another herdsmen crisis,” the monarch cautioned. He urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to enact stricter laws against land grabbing and strengthen the operations of the Lagos State Task Force on Land Grabbers (LSTF).

He further noted that the escalating crisis threatens major state investments in the area, including the relocation of sawmillers from Okobaba to Imofa.

Chief Olumide Osilaja, the Oluwo/Jagun Oba of Owu-Ikosi, described the situation as dire, stating that land grabbers now occupy farmlands and harass residents.

“They are in our farms with armed hoodlums harassing our people. Farmers can’t go to their farms, and our women can’t go about their daily businesses,” Osilaja lamented.

“People coming to buy planks at the sawmills are stopped and extorted. These thugs carry cutlasses and guns and openly take hard drugs, creating fear across the community.”

Also speaking, the Baale of Asaasa/Oke-Odo in Owu-Ikosi, Prince Adeoluwa Adekoya, said the community frequently hears gunshots, heightening tension among residents.

“Before it escalates beyond control, we are pleading with Governor Sanwo-Olu and security agencies to come to our rescue,” he appealed.

The community leaders jointly called for the immediate deployment of state security operatives to restore peace and protect lives and property. (The Guardian)