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…Defends Farmers and Lawful Landowners
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Former Minister and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator (Mrs.) Iyabo Anisulowo, has called for the immediate prosecution and conviction of land grabbers across Ogun State.
She emphasized that the state government’s ongoing efforts to combat land-related violence would remain incomplete unless perpetrators are brought to justice through the courts.
In a strongly worded petition dated October 3, 2025, addressed to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State, Senator Anisulowo – through her solicitors, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Olabode Balogun & Associates – detailed a disturbing incident involving the unlawful invasion of her farmland by thugs and certain community leaders.
The petition narrated how the assailants, acting with impunity, stormed her Ilaro farmland in Yewa South Local Government Area, despite her clear and lawful ownership of the property.
Senator Anisulowo expressed deep concern that if such criminal acts are left unchecked, they could threaten the state’s agricultural stability and discourage legitimate investors and farmers from engaging in large-scale food production.
She urged the government to demonstrate firm political will by ensuring that all culprits involved in land grabbing, regardless of status or influence, are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
The former minister further appealed to the Ogun State Government to strengthen enforcement mechanisms under existing land laws to protect farmers, landowners, and investors who contribute to the state’s agricultural development.
According to her, the menace of land grabbing not only endangers lives and property but also undermines the government’s vision of sustainable food security and rural economic growth.
Senator Anisulowo reaffirmed her faith in the rule of law, urging the state’s justice system to act decisively in restoring public confidence.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” she stressed, noting that prosecuting offenders will send a strong message that Ogun State will no longer tolerate lawlessness in its rural communities.
Quoting from the petition, her lawyers stated: “Our client, Senator (Mrs.) Iyabo Anisulowo, purchased the said land for public good to enhance agricultural ventures and produce organic fertilizer.
“In the meantime, some miscreants from Olute village led by one Chief Waheed Abass (Baale of Olute Village, Ilaro) vandalized all signposts erected and cut down the trees planted by our client. Several corner pieces had been encroached illegally by Chief Waheed Abass and his team of hooligans.”
The petition further noted that, “While our client and her workmen were erecting new signposts to indicate ownership, the Youth Leader of Olute Village came on a motorcycle to challenge her with unprintable words in the presence of everyone.”
Senator Anisulowo, who previously survived a kidnapping incident on another farm in Yewa North, lamented that if a former Minister and Senator could be so brazenly attacked, “who then is safe?”
She emphasized that the law must not only exist but must be seen to work through decisive prosecutions.
“The Task Force on Land Grabbing and Cultism set up by Governor Dapo Abiodun has done commendable work in restoring order, particularly in the case of invaded villages in Ilaro.
“However, there must now be prosecution and conviction of those arrested. Without this, the bold reforms of the administration will not achieve deterrence”, she stressed.
Senator Anisulowo highlighted that the economic implications of unchecked land grabbing extend far beyond local disputes.
She observed that Lagos State – Nigeria’s most populated state – imports over ₦5 billion worth of food daily, despite Ogun’s close proximity and vast arable land.
“Ogun State could easily become the food supplier for Lagos and the Southwest, but farmers live in fear. No investor will farm where thugs rule”, she said.
Senator Anisulowo therefore called on the Ogun State House of Assembly to “pass the amendment to the Anti-Land Grabbing Law with alacrity” to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and give confidence to farmers and investors alike.
“This is no longer a private matter”, she declared. “It is about food security, economic stability, and the integrity of law in our State. I purchased the land from the Olaogun Descendant Family who are the original owners of the land, and by virtue of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal. Ibadan dated Monday 1st of December, 2003.
“My receipts are dated 27th of May 2008 and 10th day of August, 2009, respectively. I also have Ogun State registered Survey duly Certified. How can anyone regardless of their backers or status brazenly kick at several laws governing protection of properties like this? The time to act is now.”
Senator Anisulowo concluded by commending Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for its commitment to justice and urged the Ministry of Justice to ensure that those already arrested face trial without delay.
“The world is watching Ogun State,” she said. “The prosecution of land grabbers and their backers will mark a turning point in protecting lives, livelihoods, and the State’s agricultural future.”
