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…Ogun State Government Urges Traditional Rulers To Combat Land Grabbing
LISA TOWN, IFO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Ogun State Government has reiterated its call for traditional rulers to actively support the fight against land grabbing.
The government emphasized the need for proper measures and mechanisms to curb this menace and other related crimes within their domains.
Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun made this call on Thursday, March 27, 2025 during the official installation and presentation of the staff of office to Oba Oladele Najeem Odugbemi as the Onilisa of Lisa. The ceremony took place in Lisa Town, Ifo Local Government Area.
Representing the governor, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, stressed that Ogun State strongly opposes land-grabbing activities and will not tolerate any traditional ruler’s involvement in such practices.
He reaffirmed that the Land Grabbing Prohibition Law remains in force, ensuring that lands cannot be unlawfully allocated for personal gain without appropriate authorization.
Hon. Hamzat congratulated the people of Lisa for their patience and resilience while awaiting the elevation of the Onilisa stool from Baaleship to Obaship status.
He urged them to prioritize the collective development of their community and traditional institution.
“As an administration, we consider today’s ceremony another positive milestone in our commitment to ensuring Ogun State takes its rightful place among the leading states in Nigeria,” he stated.
The commissioner highlighted the importance of traditional institutions as a bridge between grassroots communities and the government.
He reaffirmed that the Ogun State Government remains committed to upgrading deserving chieftaincy stools to strengthen traditional leadership.
“The installation of Oba Oladele Najeem Odugbemi as Onilisa of Lisa is a symbolic step in the right direction,” Hon. Hamzat noted
Addressing the new king, Hon. Hamzat reminded Oba Odugbemi of his role as the royal custodian of Lisa’s culture and traditions.
He urged him to remain loyal to his ancestral home under the leadership of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland.
He also encouraged the monarch to work closely with other traditional rulers in Egbaland to foster peace and unity, justifying the trust placed in him by the Ogun State Government and the Lisa community.
The commissioner urged the people of Lisa to give their full support and cooperation to the new monarch to ensure the rapid development of Lisa and its surroundings. He emphasized that every stakeholder must contribute to the community’s progress.
Hon. Hamzat also commended the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, for his role in the appointment of Oba Odugbemi, stating that Egbaland has witnessed significant transformation under his reign.
He prayed for continued prosperity in Egbaland and Ogun State under the leadership of Oba Gbadebo.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Oladele Najeem Odugbemi expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government for recognizing Lisa’s importance and ensuring the successful completion of his installation process.
He also appreciated the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, for recommending him for the position.
The monarch pledged to support the state government’s efforts toward Lisa’s development and preserve the traditional institution.
He called for unwavering support from the Lisa community, promising to lead efforts that will bring about progress, development, and peaceful coexistence in Lisa through meaningful projects and initiatives.
