Land is a natural treasure and it has a sharp relation with controversies either in terms of price, activities of land grabbers or adjustments of conditions attached to it. This has become a tradition and it has happened in several towns causing chaos and tension.
Recent developments have shown that Osun community is no different from towns that have witnessed land crisis.
The existing fued between Kelebe-Omu Landowners Association has taken a new dimension as Nigerian Army met with occupants of a section of controversial 3,646 acres of land on Monday, February 3 and allegedly renewed annual contracts inspite of over 7 years litigation on the matter.
WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the Nigerian Army forcefully took over the land 40 years ago from its owners in line with a military decree for the creation of military offices then.
Some parts of the controversial 3646 acres of land have been used for construction of shops, spaces, lands and buildings and occupants pay annually to Nigeria Army.
Kelebe-Omu Landowners associations filed a complaint suit against the Nigerian Army at the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo some years ago and the case is still pending.
Inspite of the ongoing court case, the representatives of the Nigerian Army held meetings with the occupants of section of the land in Osogbo on Monday, February 3 in a bid to renew the annual contracts between the Nigerian Army and occupants.
The representatives of the Nigerian Army have reportedly issued a fresh order to all occupants of buildings, shops and spaces in a clear attempt to introduce new policy in line with renewal of contracts which may reduce tension and public interest over the lingering 3646 acres of lands that have been a subject of litigation over 40 years.
It was reliably gathered that Sergent Ojo and Captain Abubakar, officials of the Nigerian Army issued the fresh order during one of the meetings with the occupants of the disputed land.
Captain Abubakar and Sergeant Ojo declared at one of the meetings with occupants cancelled the yearly basis annual form of payment and clearly stated that rents and fees would now be paid to the Nigerian Army on monthly basis.
Occupants who spoke with WITHIN NIGERIA reporter in an interview session prefer to be anonymous over possible intimidation and likely assault that may arise from their landlords while some occupants could not speak with WITHIN NIGERIA reporter over fear.
Occupants who are residents of Osogbo, the capital of Osun state told WITHIN NIGERIA reporter that farmers who use the land for cultivation pay N5000 per annum for the use of 200 acres of land while shop owners pay N10,000 annually.
People who make use of the land for palm oil prospecting, felling of trees and sawmilling it into timber longs and planks are paying N20,000 per annum.
WITHIN NIGERIA reporter learnt that military officers pay N375,000 per 750 square metres to acquire lands for private use while civilians pay N525000 per 750 square metres for private use. Lands are also available for construction of fish ponds, farming camps, sand/gravel digging.
WITHIN NIGERIA reporter ponders and wonders why such land under litigation for more than 40 years would be used to acquire millions of naira by a party who is also involved in the case.
WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo recently adjourned the ruling over the jurisdiction on the age long land dispute involving the Nigeria army and the Kelebe-Omu landowners Association comprises of Osogbo, Olorunda, Obokun and Boripe Local Governments of Osun State.
As at the time of filling this report, efforts to reach the Nigeria Army were futile but WITHIN NIGERIA reporter will continue to try every possible means to interview the officials of the Nigeria Army on the issue.
Below are the pictures of shops, buildings and spaces taken on the controversial lands:
