Nigerian Army Denies Attempt To Seize Land In Osun

The Nigerian Army has denied reports about a contentious land dispute between itself and 65 families in Osogbo, Osun State.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the land in question had been a subject of litigation by the people of Osogbo for a long time.

He stated that the legal proceedings preceded the appointment of the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on June 19, 2023, refuting the allegations against him.

He highlighted that this is demonstrated by the agitators’ assertion of having obtained a High Court judgment in January 2023, during Lagbaja’s tenure as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna.

He emphasized that the effort to inaccurately depict the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as the main figure in the land dispute, aimed at misleading the public, was merely an act of mischief that would not serve any constructive mediation purpose.

Nwachukwu stated that it was an effort to tarnish the reputation and integrity of a COAS who is known for being detribalized, selfless, and patriotic.

“As an institution committed to upholding the Rule of Law and respect for the rights of the citizenry, the Nigerian army will unabatedly continue to be a law-abiding institution and, at all times, pursue the fulfillment of its obligations under the law.

“Suffice it to say, therefore, that the Nigerian Army has taken cognisance of the judgment of the High Court of Justice of Osun State in the case of Chief Amodu Akanbi Suleiman Folorunsho & Others V. Attorney General of the Federation & Others,” he said.

Nwachukwu urged the public to discountenance the misinformation being circulated to avoid being misled and taken advantage of by persons and groups with ulterior and sinister motives.