……….land grabbing, encroachment, illegal speculation will no longer be tolerated – Ajulo
By Precious Oluwole
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Wednesday, inaugurated Ondo State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing.
Speaking during the inauguration held at Governor’s office, Alagbaka, Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that land is not just a means of livelihood, shelter or commerce, it is a heritage, a birthright and, in many ways, the bedrock of identity and community.
He noted that Nigeria has witnessed the increasing and disturbing incidence of land grabbing and the destructive activities of real estate speculators who prey on legal ambiguities and institutional weaknesses to dispossess rightful owners of their lands.
“From rural communities to urban centres, the menace of land grabbing has manifested in violent displacements, prolonged litigations and in many cases, the loss of life.
The Governor noted that his administration remains resolute in protecting the rights of landowners, encouraging responsible development and securing our State from those who wish to profit through lawlessness.
He commended the Ondo State House of Assembly for its proactive stance in recognising the urgency of this threat and deploying its legislative instruments to stem the tide, adding that the passage of laws aimed at safeguarding property rights and regulating land acquisition is not only timely but visionary.
He stressed that the law’s provisions include; Up to 10 years imprisonment for land grabbing and forceful entry, 5 years imprisonment or a fine of ₦5 million for illegal occupants, 7 years imprisonment for violations of real estate transaction regulations, 21 years imprisonment for resale of properties without proper revocation, and 2 years imprisonment for illegal levies (Omo-Onile fees).
Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the people of the State that his administration is committed to creating a safe and secure environment where their rights are protected and their investments are safeguarded. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that our State remains a place where citizens can live, work and thrive without fear of land grabbing and other forms of exploitation”.
He appreciated the Attorney-General and officials of the State Ministry of Justice who have worked with tenacity, wisdom and legal diligence to ensure the drafting and realisation of the frameworks that will now guide land administration in Ondo State.
He urged the committee to collaborate with relevant government ministries, community leaders and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of this law. “You must carry out your duties with integrity, courage and fairness. Let this Task Force be a beacon of justice for the oppressed and a firm deterrent to those who would violate our land laws. The people of Ondo State are watching and they are counting on you”, he concluded.
Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo noted that the establishment of this Task Force marks a new era in the protection of land rights, the promotion of lawful acquisition and ownership, and the restoration of confidence in the justice system. It sends a clear message that land grabbing, encroachment, and illegal speculation will no longer be tolerated within Ondo State.
He noted that Section 3 prohibits forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, and criminalizes the actions of persons who, without lawful authority, take possession of land belonging to another. Section 4 of the law provides for penalties against the use of threats or violence to dispossess legitimate landowners or occupants, reinforcing the sanctity of ownership and possession.
“Section 12 outlaws the demand for illegal fees in the guise of ground rent (owo-ile) by miscreants and non-entities. Section 14 empowers the State to establish a Task Force to enforce the provisions of the Law and investigate complaints brought forward by victims of land-related offenses. These provisions, among others, shall serve as the compass guiding our operations.
“This law is not merely about prosecution it is about justice, deterrence, and institutional reform. Our objective is to create a just and efficient land governance system that respects due process and protects all lawful interests”.
Ajulo pledged that as the Chairman of the committee to discharge this responsibility with transparency, diligence, and respect for human rights, urging all members of the committee to approach their duties with the highest ethical standards and unwavering dedication to justice.
He assured the people of the State that the Task Force will be accessible, responsive, and impartial in addressing complaints. “We will partner with law enforcement, traditional institutions, community leaders, and civil society to ensure wide public awareness and effective enforcement”.
In his goodwill message, Member representing Ondo West constituency 1, Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, who sponsored the bill at the House of Assembly, appreciated the Governor for giving the House the independence needed to pass the bill.
He noted that even before the bill was passed, the Governor had demonstrated strong commitment by issuing an Executive Order against land grabbing in the State.
He urged the committee to work with integrity to ensure that the aim of the law can come to pass.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Edward Ogunmola also commended the Governor for what he described as a major milestone. He noted that land grabbing has long been one of the biggest challenges facing the ministry and that the inauguration of the Task Force would significantly ease their work. He pledged the Ministry’s full support and cooperation toward the implementation of the law.
Members of the task force are;
- Dr Kayode Ajulo, Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Ondo state
- Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde Abiola, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing
- CP Wilfred Afolabi, Commissioner of Police, Ondo state
- Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Commander, Ondo State Security
Network Agency (AMOTEKUN) - Surv. Idowu Owolabi,
Ondo State Surveyor-General - Mr. Adesanya Adelana,
Representative of the Ministry of Justice - Mr. Akin Ogundipe,
Representative of the Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development - Mr. Maxwell Adelosoye,
Representative of Local Government Authorities - Surv. John Kemini,
Representative of Local Government Authorities. - Olabanjo Aiyenakin, Esq.,
Representative of Civil Society Organisation - Hon. Joseph Iranola Akinlaja,
Community Representative (Central) - Dr. Tunji Abayomi,
Community Representative (North) - Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN,
Community Representative (South) - Barr. Aiyegbusi Festus Olabode,
Ministry of Justice, Coordinator/Secretary
In attendance were: The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, Ondo State House of Assembly Member, Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, representing Ondo West constituency 1, Permanent Secretaries.
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