Monarch decries take-over of land by state
From Sunny Ogefere, Asaba
THE traditional ruler of Asaba, the Delta State Capital, Obi Chike Edozien, has described as unjust the acquisition of the community's land by the state government without paying compensation.
Also, the monarch has said that efforts were being made to check the excesses of youths on land matters especially those who go about disposing of lands that do not belong to them.
Fielding questions from reporters in Asaba on Tuesday as part of the activities marking his 13th coronation, Edozien lamented that lands, which could have generated revenue to the community have been acquired by the government without compensation.
He said that though the government could justify its action under the Land Use Act, "We see the Act as very unjust and any action taken under it is oppressive."
He said that the Asaba community appreciated the acquisition of land for purely government business but added: "To acquire land on behalf of individuals, who engage in trading with such lands to the chagrin of the erstwhile owners of the land certainly calls for a re-consideration."
Accordingly, he appealed to the state government to have a rethink on the matter as the people had been overpowered and dispossessed.
He warned the youths in the community to desist from the ugly act of disposing of peoples' land.
"Much of what is left (after the government acquired land) in Asaba, is unfortunately sold by these irresponsible youths," he stated.
The traditional ruler said the palace was disturbed by the ugly trend and that traditional measures and other means were being employed to resolve it.
He said: "We are using traditional sanction, employing the police and taking them to court. I guess you will notice that in the past two months, it has abated. We hope that in no distant time, the problem would have been substantially eliminated."
The Asagba of Asaba enjoined all village heads in the town to ensure that peace reigned in their various quarters and expressed optimism that with the co-operation of law enforcement agents, the criminally-minded youths disposing of land not belonging to them would be brought to book.
He noted that the problem was complicated by the growing number of persons, who acquired land without following the due process of law.
He said that it was easier to control the youths if the land in question was lawfully acquired and advised interested persons to always get the elders involved in land matters.
