BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has warned land grabbers, popularly known as ‘Omo Onile’, to desist from their nefarious activities or face the full consequences of their illegal actions.
Responding to a series of petitions that had flooded his office over harassment and molestation of artisans and contractors on building sites across the state, the governor expressed disgust and anger at the reign of violence on innocent construction workers and developers by the touts.
According to statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday, the state government would not tolerate the gruesome tactics of the ‘Omo onile’ in forcing landowners to part away with their hard earned money.
The governor said security agencies have been instructed to go hard on anyone involved in the unwholesome practice.
The statement quoted Adeleke as saying, “I have received several petitions from Osogbo, Ife, Ilesa, Ikirun, Iwo, and almost every major town in Osun State. Recently, I received more than three petitions from Osogbo alone, where perpetrators allegedly maimed and even killed some site workers.
“I have reports of seizure of work equipment belonging to artisans and even illegal detention of contractors and site workers. All these must stop forthwith.
“I have subsequently directed security agencies to conduct special operations to go after perpetrators. Our administration will not tolerate brazen lawlessness and unwarranted disruption of livelihoods of innocent citizens.
“I’ am also requesting victims of these untoward activities to report incidence to law enforcement agencies for appropriate actions.”
