It shall be unlawful for any corporation, joint-stock company, partnership or person, engaged in the business of carrying or transporting crude oil or petroleum, or any of the products thereof, for hire or otherwise, within the limits of this article, and not becoming a common purchaser as defined by, and accepting the provisions of this article, to own or operate, directly or indirectly, any oil well, oil leases or oil holdings or interests in this state, and each of said corporations, joint stock companies, partnerships or persons, shall divest themselves of all legal or equitable ownership, interest or control, directly or indirectly, in oil wells, oil leases or oil holdings or interests in this state.
R.L. 1910, § 4310.