Sam Philip
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared war against land grabbing and related crimes in the State, as he inaugurated the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing.
Inaugurating the Task Force, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced strict penalties for land-related offenses, including up to 21 years’ imprisonment for unlawful resale of properties and 10 years for forceful land acquisition or encroachment.
He said: “Land is more than just property. It is our heritage, a birthright, and the foundation of community identity. We will not stand by and allow criminal elements to rob our people of what rightfully belongs to them.”
The Governor expressed concern over the increasing cases of violent land disputes, illegal occupation, fraudulent resale of land, and the imposition of unregulated charges by individuals operating under the guise of “Omo-Onile.”
He noted that such activities have led to displacement, conflict, and a breakdown of law and order in both rural and urban areas.
The law, recently passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly, stipulates the penalties which include 10 years’ imprisonment for land grabbing and forceful entry, 5 years in prison or ₦5 million fine for illegal occupation, 7 years’ imprisonment for violating real estate transaction regulations, 21 years’ imprisonment for the resale of property without proper revocation and 2 years’ imprisonment for collecting illegal levies.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the House of Assembly for its proactive legislative action, describing the law as timely and visionary. He also applauded the Honourable Attorney-General and officials of the Ministry of Justice for their diligence in drafting a legal framework that now empowers the State to clamp down on land-related crimes.
He charged members of the newly formed Task Force to enforce the law without fear or favour, urging them to work closely with relevant ministries, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure proper implementation.
The Governor assured the people of Ondo State of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives, properties, and investments. He emphasized that peace, justice, and responsible development are essential for the progress of the State.
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