The Ogun State House of Assembly, through its Committee on Justice, Ethics and Public Petitions, has stepped into a land dispute involving Helici Bio Trade Limited, the Adekerunmi Adesada Family of Igbooye, and the Orijeru of Igbooye, Oba Abdulrasaq Akanni Musa. The intervention followed a petition alleging disruption and interference with the company's possession and development activities on a parcel of land at Olowokojebi, Igbooye, in Ijebu East Local Government Area.
Committee Engagement with Parties
Led by Hon. Oluseun Adesanya, the committee held an interface with all parties at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Representatives of Helici Bio Trade Limited, the host community, and traditional leaders discussed the issues surrounding the disputed land.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The committee established that the land is part of government-acquired land. Consequently, it recommended that Helici Bio Trade Limited continue its ratification process with the state government to regularize its interest in the property. The committee also directed the law firm of Aluko and Oyebode, solicitors for Helici Bio Trade Limited, to tender an apology to the Orijeru of Igbooye for using derogatory language in parts of the petition submitted to the Assembly.
Furthermore, the committee advised Helici Bio Trade Limited to engage the monarch and other stakeholders to resolve all grievances amicably, noting that no investor benefits from operating in a conflict-ridden environment with the host community. The committee also directed the monarch and community members to avoid any actions that could hinder the company's development activities, emphasizing mutual cooperation for peace and development.
Legal and Development Path Forward
The committee recommended that the land dispute case currently before a court in Ijebu-Ode, involving traditional landowners and families claiming the area, be pursued to its logical conclusion. This will enable the state government to determine the rightful beneficiaries for compensation payment on the acquisition. The committee urged Helici Bio Trade Limited and the host community to embrace dialogue, maintain peaceful coexistence, and work together to attract development and investment opportunities that will promote the socio-economic development of the area.
