Olufemi Fasehun, younger brother to the late founder of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasehun, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the alleged illegal sale of a palm tree settlement located in Ayeko Falm Settlement, Ajiodo/Akinjagunla community, Ondo East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Fasehun appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecute those found culpable in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“With due respect, we request your good office to direct a diligent investigation and harmonization of this matter by the Ondo State Police Command, leading to possible prosecution of those responsible,” the statement read.
Fasehun accused some individuals of conspiring with land grabbers to sell parts of the palm tree settlement at suspiciously low prices.
He described them as the “principal suspects” in the ongoing land dispute.
He further alleged that they encroached upon and sold lands containing economic palm trees valued at millions of naira, properties he claims belong to him, Ambassador Orobola Fasehun, and the late Dr. Frederick Fasehun.
“These individuals are parading fake documents and falsely claiming the land is family property,” Fasehun said, warning the public to avoid any transactions with the suspects and urging those who may have purchased land from them to seek refunds.
Fasehun revealed he had already filed a petition with the Ondo State Commissioner of Police over the matter and stressed the need for the IGP’s involvement to ensure transparency and prevent any compromise in the investigation.
“We are using this medium and opportunity to tell the general public that these three do not own the land they are illegally selling. They are deceitfully lying to unsuspecting buyers that it is a family land,” he said.
He noted that the land grabbers were not members of the family as they destroyed and embezzled economic palm trees on the aforesaid land.
Only a criminal would sell and immediately destroy millions of naira’s worth of assets for peanuts,” he added.
He appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to direct the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Zone 17 to ensure the investigation is thoroughly concluded and all culprits are charged to court accordingly.
He, however, expressed confidence in the newly posted AIG, describing him as a man of dignity and integrity who is capable of identifying and weeding out the bad elements within the system who may be undermining his efforts.
Fasehun lamented that it has become a recurring issue in Ondo State, where land grabbers allegedly collude with some law enforcement officers to obstruct justice with impunity.
“We urge the IGP office to immediately order the matter be returned back to the Ondo CP’s office for proper due diligence investigation and onward prosecution at a court of competent jurisdiction.
“We look forward to your accelerated approval for due diligent investigation and harmonization respectively,” he added.