The Ogun State House of Assembly has intervened in a land dispute involving Helici Bio Trade Limited, the Adekerunmi Adesada Family of Igbooye, and the Orijeru of Igbooye, Oba Abdulrasaq Akanni Musa, with a call for peaceful resolution and cooperation among parties.

The dispute, which centres on a parcel of land located at Olowokojebi in Igbooye, Ijebu East Local Government Area, was brought before the Assembly through a petition alleging interference with the company’s possession and development activities on the land.

The House Committee on Justice, Ethics and Public Petitions, led by Honourable Oluseun Adesanya, convened a meeting with representatives of Helici Bio Trade Limited, members of the host community, and traditional leaders at the assembly complex, Abeokuta, to address the issues surrounding the contested property.

Following deliberations, the committee established that the land in question forms part of government-acquired land. It consequently advised Helici Bio Trade Limited to continue with the ratification process already initiated with the Ogun government to regularise its interest in the property.

The committee also directed the law firm of Aluko and Oyebode, solicitors to the company, to tender an apology to the Orijeru of Igbooye over words deemed derogatory in portions of the petition submitted to the Assembly.

As part of efforts to foster harmony, the lawmakers urged the company to strengthen engagement with the traditional ruler and other community stakeholders to amicably resolve outstanding grievances.

The committee stated that sustainable investment can only thrive in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding between investors and their host communities.

The committee further advised the monarch and members of the community against actions capable of hindering the company’s ongoing development activities, stressing the need for cooperation in the collective interest of peace and progress.

It also recommended that the land ownership case currently before a court in Ijebu-Ode, involving families laying claim to the area, be allowed to run its full course. The committee noted that the outcome of the litigation will enable the government to determine the rightful beneficiaries of compensation arising from the land acquisition.

The committee urged both Helici Bio Trade Limited and the people of Igbooye to embrace dialogue, maintain peaceful coexistence, and work together to attract investment opportunities capable of accelerating socio-economic development in the community. (Nigerian Tribune)