Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The traditional ruler of the Ibeseland in Yewa North Local Government, Oba Rotimi Mulero, has said that his community was open and ready for amicable resolution of a 12 year old land dispute with the Dangote Cement company located in the community.
Oba Mulero stated this in a statement signed by Leke Ibikunle, the Ekaarun of Ibeseland and Secretary to the Aboro of Ibese-in-Council, copies made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
According to the Aboro, “the Ibese community remains committed to resolving the protracted land dispute amicably and open to resuming discussions once all the
agreements and discussions are based on accurate and reliable data, reflecting the true interests of the community”.
He explained that as a way out of the 12-year old land dispute with the cement factory, particularly on the obligations of the factory to its host community, in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act, the matter was referred to Ogun State Multi-Door Court Centre, where it was suggested that a joint settlement proposal should be presented by all aggrieved communities who have similar claims in the court against the cement factory.
“The current concern, however, stems from a significant error in the Survey Plan captured in a letter dated 26th July, 2024, jointly prepared by the Ibese, Ijako and Igbogila communities titled “Harmonised Demands from Ibese, Ijako and Igbogila communities”, as recommended by the Ogun State Mediation Centre.
“The letter under reference erroneously stated that the total size of Ibese Community land occupied by Dangote Cement Factory was 2,863.931 hectares.
“However, a more accurate survey and investigation revealed that the total size of Ibese land earmarked by Ogun State Government for industrial purposes and mining is 12,612.621 hectares, while the area currently occupied by the Dangote Cement Factory, Ibese is 3,362.032 hectares”, the Aboro stated.
The royal father said that the letter also mis-presented Igbogila town as one of the host communities of the cement factory, when Igbogila has never been a member of the host communities.
He stated further upon discovering this grave error, the community through the Ibese Community Development Association’s solicitors has formally retracted the said letter and the survey plan via a letter dated 15th August, 2024 addressed to Dangote Cement Plc and other communities.
Oba Mulero added that the community has therefore dissociated itself from the erroneous letter and survey, declaring them as null and void and that any settlements, compensations, or obligations predicated on the letter remain invalid.