Yoruba Emancipation Union Advocates for Law to Restrict Sale of Land to Non-State Indigenes

Babatunji Wusu –

• The Yoruba Emancipation Union calls for a law restricting land sales to non-state indigenes to ensure sustainable land management.
• The group is concerned about the future of land inheritance and warns that unrestricted sales could deplete land resources for future generations.
• They propose a 30-year lease option for land transactions and stricter enforcement of residential land designations.

The Yoruba Emancipation Union Worldwide has called for the enactment of a law that would restrict the outright sale of land by owners to non-state indigenes. This move is aimed at promoting sustainable land use and protecting the land inheritance of future generations. In an open letter addressed to the governors and legislative arms of the Southwest, the group expressed concern over the indiscriminate sale of land by individuals, families, and communities to non-indigenes, companies, and other entities.

The group warned that such practices could lead to the depletion of land resources, effectively robbing future generations of their rightful inheritance. To address this, they suggested replacing outright sales with long-term leases of up to 30 years, which would allow for a reversionary interest and better management of land resources. Additionally, they recommended stricter enforcement of land zoning laws, including revoking certificates of occupancy for residential areas that are converted into commercial properties.

The Yoruba Emancipation Union also urged that thorough due diligence be conducted when corporate entities seek to acquire land, ensuring that fraudulent acquisitions are prevented. Their call reflects a deep commitment to preserving land for future generations while ensuring the sustainable development of the region.