The Oyo State Government has received a total of 2,215 petitions relating to the forceful takeover of landed properties through the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law Agency.

The Chairman of the Agency, Hon. Justice Olajumoke Aiki (rtd), who stated this at her office in Ibadan, said the Oyo State Government has put in deliberate efforts to strengthen the agency to arrest and prosecute suspected notorious land-related offenders in the State.

Aiki revealed that out of the petitions, 860 have been successfully resolved by the agency so far.

According to her, the statistical data record of the agency?s activities so far shows that the total number of forms obtained is 3,363.

She added that the Agency has arranged 143 petition files in Court, while 480 offenders have been prosecuted.

She, however, said that 125 Petition Files have been kept on view, adding that these records are essentially from the year 2023 to date, following skeletal works carried out in 2022 when the agency was inaugurated.

While responding to recent commendations received by the agency, Hon. Justice Aiki stated that the highest praise should be given to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. ?Seyi Makinde, for the mandate and support provided to the agency without interference.

?His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, deserves all the accolades for the privilege given to us to serve the good people of Oyo State. Without his support with funds, operational materials and goodwill, we would not be so privileged,? she said.

The agency boss recalled a letter of commendation by the Balogun Iyalode of Ibadanland, Chief (Mrs.) Taye Soyege, whose petition on a land-grabbing dispute was thoroughly investigated by the agency.

In her petition, Chief (Mrs.) Soyege had alleged that certain individuals unlawfully invaded her land, which was purchased and located in the Ido Local Government Area of the state, accusing them of forceful entry, malicious damage, and threat to life.

Soyege said, ?Their discipline, professionalism, and selflessness in carrying out their assignments deserve the highest commendation. I sincerely salute their courage and commitment to duty, which reflects great honour on the institution they represent,? she wrote.

Similarly, the Religious Sisters of Charity, under the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, expressed their admiration for the agency for its fair and diligent handling of a land dispute case filed against the congregation by one Mr. Kazeem Lasisi.

Investigations by the Task Force Unit revealed that there was insufficient evidence to support the petitioner?s allegations of land grabbing and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.

Justice Aiki therefore reaffirmed the Agency?s commitment to ensuring that land grabbing disputes in the State are handled with fairness, professionalism, and integrity in accordance with the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law, 2016. (The Guardian)

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