The Ogun State House of Assembly has stepped in to address alleged harassment and marginalisation of residents of border communities, particularly those of Egun descent, by immigration officials.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, called for urgent intervention after the lawmaker representing Ipokia/Idiroko State Constituency, Hon. Adebisi Oyedele, raised the matter under personal explanation during plenary.
His concerns were supported by Hon. Musefiu Lamidi of Ado-Odo/Ota 2 and Hon. Adegoke Adeyanju of Yewa North 1, who reported similar cases in their constituencies.
The lawmakers alleged that some residents were being denied Nigerian passports despite meeting all application requirements, with immigration officials questioning their nationality.
They also decried the enforcement of the 20-kilometre fuel sale restriction from the land borders, which they say is worsening economic hardship in the area.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the Speaker said, “An injury to one is an injury to all,” and directed that the State Controller of Immigration and the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs be engaged to investigate and resolve the complaints.
He urged the State Government to intervene to prevent further marginalisation caused by bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Meanwhile, the State Children’s Parliament, led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, joined lawmakers to observe the plenary ahead of its session scheduled for Wednesday at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
In another development, Hon. Waliu Owode of Ijebu-East drew attention to an incident in Imobi town, where a farmer, Yaya Musa Kalamu, was reportedly killed by an elephant from Omo Forest Reserve, Area J4.
The Speaker assured that an on-the-spot assessment would be carried out and condoled with the victim’s family.
