By Kehinde Aderemi

Olowu of Owu-Ikosi, Oba Nelson Ogunlari, has appealed to the Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to save the town from suspected land grabbers that have been threatening the peace of the community.

Oba Ogunlari made the appeal yesterday at a press conference held in his palace.

The monarch expressed worry at the situation. He warned that such illegal act should be nipped in the bud before it degenerates into anarchy.

Oba Ogunlari also lamented that residents of the community could no longer do their legitimate businesses, as a result of the activities of the land grabbers, which he said had caused pervasive panic.

“Hoodlums have invaded our town. They harass our people. Farmers could no longer go to farms and our women could not do their daily businesses.

“The hoodlums are armed with guns. They move around the town without fear,” the monarch said.

The Jagun of Owu-Ikosi, Chief Olumide Osilaja said the situation in the town needs urgent intervention.

He appealed to the Lagos State governor to intervene by deploying the security agencies to the town to ensure peace.

“We are calling on Governor Sanwo-Olu to help us to bring peace back to the town.

“We also call on the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Area Commander of Area N to save our lives from land grabbers before it is too late,” the monarch said.

Prince Adeoluwa Adekoya, said Owu-Ikosi had been peaceful until recently when land grabbers took over the town. He expressed regret that businesses in the town have been paralysed.

“Many of our people that patronise the sawmills in the town have been dispossessed of their valuables and they no longer go to the sawmills.

“We are appealing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to rescue us before the situation degenerates into anarchy,” he said.