….Highlight mediation efforts, urge security agencies to enforce anti-land grabbing laws
…..Assembly backs plan for new legislative quarters, says old apartments no longer suitable
The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, has disclosed that the Ninth Assembly has successfully resolved about 55 per cent of land grabbing-related petitions received within the last two years, describing the intervention as vital to sustaining peace and stability across the state.
Elemide made this known during a press conference held to mark his second anniversary in office, where he presented a scorecard of the Assembly’s achievements and its contributions to strengthening governance.
According to him, land disputes and allegations of land grabbing remain the most frequent complaints brought before the House, underscoring the severity of the challenge in several communities.
“Most petitions received by the Assembly border on land grabbing. The House has intervened by inviting both complainants and defendants to resolve disputes amicably,” the Speaker said.
He explained that the Assembly often adopts mediation and dialogue as its primary strategy, adding that more than half of such cases had been settled through peaceful engagement.
Elemide noted that the resolution of these disputes has contributed significantly to the relative peace currently enjoyed in Ogun State.
While reaffirming the legislature’s commitment to conflict resolution, he stressed that long-term solutions depend largely on the political will of the executive arm of government.
“Resolving such challenges largely depends on the political will of the executive arm; the legislature has continued to play its constitutional role without fear or favour,” he stated.
On security enforcement, the Speaker pointed out that agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services have the constitutional mandate to tackle criminal elements involved in land grabbing.
“Relevant security agencies such as the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services are empowered to act,” Elemide said.
He urged residents to take advantage of legal frameworks enacted by the Assembly, particularly laws designed to curb land grabbing and restore order.
“The Assembly has done its part by passing laws against land grabbing and ensuring they are assented to. The responsibility now lies with citizens and relevant authorities to utilise existing laws,” he added.
Beyond land-related interventions, Elemide highlighted the House’s legislative productivity, noting that several key bills had been passed since he assumed office.
Among them are the Ogun State Power Sector Law 2024, the Consumer Protection Law 2024, and the Scavengers and Waste Dealers Regulation Law 2025.
He also cited the passage of the 2024 Revised Appropriation Law, as well as the 2025 and 2026 Appropriation Laws, as evidence of the Assembly’s commitment to fiscal planning and accountable governance.
The Speaker disclosed that other bills are still undergoing legislative processing, including proposed laws on agricultural advancement, judicial and legislative pensions, boundary commissions, and development planning.
He further noted that the House has passed several resolutions addressing pressing social issues such as cultism, drug abuse, illegal mining, flood control, road reconstruction, and correctional centre decongestion.
On the role of traditional institutions, Elemide clarified that monarchs operate under the supervision of local governments, which are accountable to the Assembly.
He said the House retains constitutional authority to summon any local government chairman or public officer when necessary, stressing that such actions would always follow due process and proper investigation.
Elemide assured residents that lawmakers remain committed to swift intervention in matters capable of threatening public peace.
He added that the Assembly would not hesitate to enact new laws where necessary to protect lives, property, and public order.
Meanwhile, the Speaker said the House would support the construction of new legislative quarters for state lawmakers, either at the current location or elsewhere, if it serves the overall interest of Ogun State.
Supported by principal officers of the Assembly, Elemide explained that the existing legislative quarters, built during the military era ahead of the Second Republic, are no longer suitable for lawmakers under the current democratic dispensation.
He noted that the two-bedroom apartments were originally designed for a legislator and a driver, while their families lived elsewhere, a system that worked when legislative duties were part-time.
The clarification comes amid controversies surrounding the state government’s reported decision to demolish the quarters and construct new ones.
Elemide said lawmakers had not been served any notice to vacate the premises, adding that no relocation funds had been paid.
He stated that legislators would request payment in lieu of alternative accommodation if relocation becomes necessary.
“We shall not object to the demolition and rebuilding of new legislative quarters in the interest of the state. The current quarters cannot stand the test of time again,” Elemide said.
He concluded by reaffirming the Assembly’s readiness to collaborate with security agencies, the executive arm, and the public to ensure lasting peace and sustainable development across Ogun State.
