The Ogun State Government has warned individuals who are in the habit of forcefully acquiring government and public landed properties and taking possession of premises to desist from the act or face the full wrath of the law.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL. Olatunji Odunlami gave the warning in Abeokuta, following an attack on Town Planners who were on enforcement exercise at Aseese in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the State.

Odunlami, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Tunde Olugbewesa said the law of the State on Land grabbing titled H.B NO 13/2016 prohibits forcibly entry and occupation of landed properties, violent and fraudulent conducts in relation to landed properties, armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and allied matters, adding that the Physical Planning Laws of the State which refrain anyone from erecting buildings without Planning Permit were still in place.

“The Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration will not hesitate to sanction any person or group of persons claiming to be ‘Omo Onile’ who defies the Physical Planning law of the State or obstruct officers on official duties. I want to urge residents to support government efforts to curb the menace of illegal and unapproved developments in different parts of the State”, he stated.

The Commissioner also enjoined developers to always consult the Ogun State Planning Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) in any of the Zonal Town Planning offices, to seek planning information and notify the State Building Production Management Authority (OGBPMA) before the commencement of any construction work within the State, noting that the government would ensure that buildings were erected by stipulated approval to achieve an organised, orderly, livable and sustainable physical environment.