José Ramiro López Obrador owns 1% of Tabasco’s territory, sparking scrutiny over land acquisitions during AMLO’s presidency.
José Ramiro “Pepín” López Obrador, brother of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), has come under public scrutiny after revelations that he owns 13 rural properties in Tabasco totaling nearly 3 million square meters—equivalent to 1% of the state’s territory. The acquisitions, many of which occurred during AMLO’s six-year term (2018–2024), have raised questions about transparency and wealth accumulation within the president’s inner circle.
According to his own declaration of assets, José Ramiro López Obrador acquired eight ranches between 2019 and 2024, reportedly paying nearly 7 million pesos in cash. The properties, located across various municipalities in Tabasco, are used for cattle ranching and agriculture. His holdings also include 694 heads of cattle, further boosting the value of his estate, which is estimated at over 8.6 million pesos.
Critics argue that the acquisitions contradict AMLO’s public stance on austerity and anti-corruption. While José Ramiro insists the purchases were made “little by little” and are the result of personal effort, opposition figures and watchdog groups have called for an investigation into the source of funds and potential conflicts of interest.
The controversy has sparked debate over land concentration and political privilege in southern Mexico. As Tabasco continues to develop under federal infrastructure programs, the presence of politically connected landowners like López Obrador raises concerns about equitable access and governance.
Despite the backlash, José Ramiro remains a prominent figure in Tabasco’s political landscape, currently serving as the state’s Secretary of Government. His landholdings and political influence are likely to remain a focal point in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
