The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), a prominent human rights and anti-corruption organization, has expressed grave concerns over a recent Executive Order on land in Ogun State infringing on the fundamental rights of monarchs and original owners of land.
In an open letter dated July 23, 2024, signed by Executive Director, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, HURMA is seeking the intervention of the Ogun State House of Assembly to intervene by causing a withdrawal of the controversial Order.
HURMA in the letter addressed to the Speaker of the Ogun Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daisi Elemide, a copy obtained by BoilingPoint, described the said Executive Order, as an overreach of executive powers.
Abiodun had few weeks ago, issued three executive orders, with one of them banning traditional rulers from entering into any form of agreement or signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on land or concerning mining activities in their domain.
The two other Executive Orders was for the establishment of two new agencies – Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency and Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency.
HURMA, known for its advocacy for equity and justice, highlighted a growing silent protest among indigenous families across Ogun State.
The organisation, which operates in various states and local government areas, reported receiving numerous complaints from aggrieved families.
According to these complaints, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Executive Order on Land allegedly threatens to strip individuals, families, communities, and monarchs of their control over private land, which constitutes over 95% of the state’s land space.
“This Executive Order appears to be a strategic infringement on the fundamental rights of Ogun State residents, particularly the original owners of the land,” Comrade Isiak stated.
He emphasised that while the governor holds custodial power over land on behalf of the people, this authority is not absolute.
HURMA’s letter calls on the Ogun State House of Assembly to address the ambiguities surrounding the order and to take immediate action to withdraw it.
The organization warns that failure to do so could escalate tensions and potentially lead to widespread protests not only in Ogun State but across the nation.
“The rights of the indigenous people to their ancestral lands must be respected and protected.
“Any attempt to undermine these rights could have serious repercussions,” Isiak added, urging prompt cooperation and action from the state assembly.
