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Consult before giving land out for ranches, Oyo guber aspirant, Akande advises Ajimobi
A gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Prof. Adeolu Akande has advised the governor of the state, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi to consult host communities before he gives out their land for ranches.
Prof Akande said ownership of land is such an emotive issue that, if not well handled, could generate a backlash in violence and destruction which will outweigh the economic advantages of such ranches.
Akande noted that land ownership is at the root of many communal clashes that have claimed thousands of lives and invaluable destruction across the country.
Oyo State was recently listed among states that had indicated interest in granting land to the federal government for the construction of ranches. The government had argued that the move will stem the tide of clahes between headsmen and communities in the country.
Prof Akande who teaches Political Science at the Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State said while the move is commendable, however cautioned that the circumstances of states differ from one another, necessitating the need for the state government to think through the initiative so as not to compound the problem facing the present generation and plant a time bomb for future generations.
“The initiative is not a one- size – fits – all solution to the problem of herdsmen/ community clashes in the country.The realities on ground differ from one state to another. What obtains in states like Nassarawa and Kano states, for instance, may not apply to Oyo State.
” It is true that the Land Use Act 2004 vests all land in the state in the governor, the exercise of such power must take cognisance of the sensibilities of the people and the potentials of such exercise of power to promote or distrupt peceful co-existence in the communities.
” The granting of land lasts sometimes for 99 years, a period long enough for the incubation of animousity among groups if the exercise of the governor’s power of land allocation ignores the disposition of the people.
“While it is true that an elected governor has the mandate of the people, the general application of such mandate requires frequent consultation with the people especially when the matter at hand was not specifically at issue in the campaigns that brought the governor to office. This issue has been made more important when there is no evidence that the legislature which is the most representive of the arms of government has endorsed the release of such land by the government.
” I implore Governor Ajimobi to tarry a while in the exercise of his powers under the Land Use Act 2004 and engage host communities in which he plans the release of land for the ranches to know the disposition of the people. To do otherwise is to plant a time-nomb in the state. This will be a diservice to the good people of Oyo State”, Akande counseled.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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