Ogun Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Reported Military Incursion, Call for Urgent Investigation

The Ogun State House of Assembly has called for an urgent investigation into the alleged invasion of several communities in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area by personnel of the Nigerian Army.

This development followed a motion presented on Wednesday by Hon. Oluseun Adesanya, who represents the Ijebu North-East State Constituency. Speaking under a matter of urgent public importance, Adesanya claimed that soldiers from the Ilese Army Barracks had entered Apunren and Idile communities, allegedly in a bid to claim ownership of land, leaving residents fearful and unsettled.

He emphasized the need to protect not only those communities but also nearby areas including Isoyin, Itele, and Orihu, all of which may be impacted by the military's actions.

Supporting the motion, Hon. Samsideen Lawal, representing Ogun Waterside Constituency, stated that some of his constituents living in Ijebu North were also affected by the incident.

The Assembly responded swiftly, passing a resolution after a motion was moved by Majority Leader Yusuf Sheriff and seconded by Minority Leader Lukman Adeleye. All lawmakers present backed the resolution.

The motion called for key stakeholders—including officials from the Nigerian Army, State Surveyor-General, Director-General of Lands, community leaders, and relevant representatives of the state government—to appear before the House Committee on Lands and Housing for a thorough investigation and peaceful resolution.

Speaker Oludaisi Elemide described the situation as a serious concern, especially in light of the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law of 2016, which was enacted to curb unlawful takeovers and intimidation related to land matters.

“We must ensure that the law is respected and that our communities feel safe. The state government must step in quickly to investigate and address this matter,” Elemide stated.

The Speaker also invited the Director-General of the Bureau of Lands and the State Surveyor-General for a briefing with the House Committee, with immediate effect.

Residents in the affected communities are hopeful that the Assembly's intervention will bring clarity and restore peace, while ensuring that no group, including the military, acts above the law.