The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has declared war with those he called “land grabbers,” popularly known as Omo onile in Yoruba language.
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 building workers by the so-called Omo oniles.
He said that his government will not tolerate the gruesome tactics of the Omo onile in forcing landowners to part with their hard earned money, stressing that security agencies have been instructed to go hard on anyone involved in the unwholesome practice.
“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 maim 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’m also requesting victims of these untoward activities to report incidence to law enforcement agencies for appropriate actions.”
