According to a statement issued on 8th October 2025, the ministry received credible reports implicating the two traditional leaders in the sale of government-owned lands within the Batokunku and Tanji layouts. It recalled that both Alkalolu had previously been cautioned through an official warning letter and a public statement released last year over similar activities.
In light of the renewed allegations, the Honourable Minister has suspended the two Alkalolu pending the outcome of a formal investigation. Acting Alkalolu will be appointed soon to oversee the affairs of the affected communities.
The Ministry has urged residents of Tanji and Batokunku, as well as the general public, to refrain from engaging in any land-related transactions with the suspended Alkalolu during the period of investigation.
A taskforce will be constituted to investigate the matter and ensure that state lands are protected from illegal sales. Preliminary findings suggest that plots reserved for public use or held in trust by the government were sold without the Ministry’s approval; an act that violates established land governance laws and administrative procedures.
The statement reiterated that government lands are held in trust for the public and cannot be sold, leased, or transferred without official authorisation. Individuals involved in illegal land sales will face prosecution in accordance with the law.
Citizens are also urged to verify the authenticity of any land sale with relevant officials at the Ministry before making payments or signing agreements.
Furthermore, the Ministry warned that any of its staff found complicit in facilitating or benefiting from these illegal transactions will be disciplined in line with the law.
The minister appealed to residents of the two communities to remain calm, respect the law, and cooperate with the ongoing investigations. The government, he reaffirmed, remains committed to protecting public lands, ensuring transparent land administration, and upholding the role of traditional leaders within the boundaries of legality.
