Fountain University, Osogbo, has raised alarm regarding an alleged illegal encroachment on its land at the Agric Farm Settlement Area of Oke-Osun, Osogbo.
The university described the development as unlawful and called for urgent intervention.
In a statement signed by the Registrar, Sheriff Adenekan, on Thursday, the institution appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs, and the Inspector General of Police to intervene in the matter.
It also urged well-meaning Nigerians to support its efforts to reclaim the land which is 124.349 hectares.
The university stated that it legally acquired the land under Yoruba Native Law and Custom in 2005 with the involvement of Osogbo community leaders and the Osun State Government.
The statement said, “The land is covered by a Certificate of Statutory Right of Occupancy issued on 5 January 2006. We had been in peaceful possession of the land until October 2024, when a group of individuals allegedly forcefully entered the property.
“It was very shocking when certain individuals suddenly stormed the land and forcefully entered same in a very violent manner.”
The university said the alleged land grabbers removed signposts, vandalised properties, and started laying out the land for sale.
It further stated that despite reporting the matter to the police, some of its staff members and a contractor were instead arrested and prosecuted.
“The university reported the incident to the nearest police station, and the matter eventually reached the Police 11th Zonal Headquarters in Osogbo,” the statement added. “But to our disappointment, our staff were arrested while these hoodlums continue selling the land illegally.
“We had petitioned the Force Headquarters in Abuja on 27 November 2024, but had yet to receive any response. We are worried over the lack of action against those allegedly selling the land.”
The institution clarifying that there was no court ruling invalidating its title to the land, added that the registration of the university with various government institutions is premised on legal documents, including the Certificate of Occupancy.
It urged the public to be cautious and warned against purchasing land from unauthorized persons.
“Any individual or organisation attempting to buy any part of the land should exercise due diligence. Any such transaction is illegal, and the university disclaims any liability or compensation,” the statement emphasised.
While calling on security agencies to take swift action, the university assured that it will continue to pursue legal means.
“We urge law enforcement agents, particularly the police, to uphold justice and protect our land. As an academic institution, we remain committed to legal and peaceful measures, but we cannot allow criminals to destroy our property unchecked,” the statement concluded.
The university reiterated its determination to safeguard its land and warned that it would pursue all legal avenues to ensure that justice prevailed.