Ogun: Law against land speculation, kidnapping, others underway
http://www.gatewaymail.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Speaker-Suraj-Adekunbi.jpgNIGERIA: THE law to deal with forceful occupation of landed properties in Ogun State is underway, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Suraju Adekunbi, has said.
Adekunbi stated that the assembly is partnering with the executive arm of government to ensure the speedy harmonization and passage of the “Prohibition of Forcible Occupation of Landed Properties Law, 2016.”
According to him, the proposed law would deal with armed robbery, kidnapping and violent conducts, as a way to have an all-inclusive law that would curb crimes and criminality in the state.
Adekunbi, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, gave the assurance while responding to the state’s Attorney General and Justice Commissioner, Dr. Olumide Ayeni’s request for a synergy to harmonize an all-encompassing law.
Adekunbi spoke while declaring open a stakeholders’ forum on House Bill No. 03/OG/ 2016 entitled “A Bill for A Law To Prohibit Forcible Entry and Occupation of a Landed Properties, Violent and Fraudulent Conducts in Relation To Landed Properties In Ogun State And for Connected Purposes”, at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
He promised that the lawmakers would work with the executive arm to expedite action on the proposed bill to enhance protection of lives and property of the people.
The Speaker stated that there was an urgent need to legislate against “unwarranted harassment” following the population influx being experienced in major cities in the state due to rapid socio-economic development which put higher demands on lands thereby leading to increase in illegal activities of land speculators.
He explained that the eight legislature had “discussed, debated and passed” people-oriented bills and resolutions to better the lives of residents.
Adekunbi sought continued support for the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led government in order to end the menace of forcible occupation of landed properties in all the nooks and crannies of the state.
Ayeni, who spoke at the event, said that the executive would soon come up with similar law to tackle armed robbery, kidnapping and violent conducts.
According to him, the law would soon be transmitted to the assembly for necessary considerations.
He, however, praised the lawmakers for organizing the forum which would lead to an all-inclusive law.
Similarly, the Chairman, House Committee on Lands and Housing, Hon. Adebiyi Adeleye, explained that the forum was an avenue for stakeholders to contribute to the bill so as to promote peace and tranquility to aid development of the state specifically and the nation at large.
He said: “The bill when passed into law would make it an offence for any person to act or purport to act on behalf of any party to a real property transaction, whether in respect of a sale, leases, license or other dealings or disposal of or relating to the property, including any person engaged for the purpose of forceful takeover or sale of a landed property”.
Adeleye emphasised that the bill would put in place legal framework to punish hoodlums, thugs, miscreants, touts who parade themselves as landowners without having the required legal titles to properties.
