THE EXTENT OF THE POWER OF GOVERNOR IN THE EXERCISE OF LAND CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

This paper critically examines the extent of the power of Governor in the Exercise of Land Control and Management in Nigeria. The central question to this paper is the extent of balance in the powers exercisable by the State Governor. The paper discovers that the powers of the State Governor is excessively absolute and finds that Government powers over land control and management poses serious threat to the constitutionally guaranteed right of Nigerians to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in the country. While the paper observed the oppressive nature of the Governor’s powers, the paper recommends the amendment of the Act to allow for independent and ownership of land devoid of any fear or intimidation. The paper recommends that the prohibition of alienation of customary and statutory rights of occupancy without the consent of the Governor as provided in section 21 and 22 should be removed. Individuals and groups as well as communities and body corporate that have legitimately acquired rights of occupancy either expressly or deemed granted should possess the free will to exercise their rights to alienate such land for any legitimate purpose without been subjected to obtaining the consent of the Governor first before such alienation, this is to allow for the independent exercise of their powers.