Ondo Declares War on Land Grabbers, Sets 21-Year Jail Term for Offenders

AKURE, Ondo State – In a decisive move to curb rampant land disputes and fraudulent property dealings, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, today inaugurated the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing. The Governor declared a “firm and decisive war” against land-related crimes, announcing stringent penalties that include up to 21 years’ imprisonment for unlawful resale of properties and 10 years for forceful land acquisition or encroachment.

The newly formed task force, comprising top government officials, security chiefs, and community representatives, is charged with the immediate enforcement of the recently passed anti-land grabbing law. This comprehensive legislation aims to bring sanity to land administration in the state, which has been plagued by violent conflicts, illegal occupations, and the exploitative activities of “Omo-Onile” (land agents).

Addressing the task force members at the inauguration, Governor Aiyedatiwa underscored the profound significance of land, stating, “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 deep concern over the escalating cases of violent land disputes and the imposition of unregulated charges, noting that such activities have led to displacement, conflict, and a breakdown of order in both rural and urban areas.

The new law, lauded by the Governor as “timely and visionary,” outlines specific penalties:

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1.10 years’ imprisonment for land grabbing and forceful entry.

2.5 years in prison or a ₦5 million fine for illegal occupation (encroachment).

3.7 years’ imprisonment for violating real estate transaction regulations.

4.21 years’ imprisonment for the resale of property without proper revocation (particularly for government and family lands).

5.2 years’ imprisonment for collecting illegal levies, commonly associated with “Omo-Onile” activities.

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the Ondo State House of Assembly for their proactive legislative action and lauded the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice officials for their diligence in drafting the robust legal framework. He tasked the new Task Force to enforce the law without fear or favour, emphasizing the need for collaboration with relevant ministries, community leaders, and stakeholders for effective implementation.

Earlier, the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, highlighted the pervasive nature of land disputes, noting that they are at the root of most communal clashes in the state. He recalled that Governor Aiyedatiwa signed the bill into law on December 30, 2024, setting the stage for the establishment of this crucial task force.

Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, the Ondo West Constituency I lawmaker who sponsored the bill, expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support, recalling the Governor’s earlier executive order against land grabbing even before the bill’s passage.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Edward Ogumola, echoed these sentiments, describing the inauguration as a “major milestone” that would significantly ease the ministry’s long-standing challenges with land grabbing.

The 14-member Task Force is led by:

1.Dr. Kayode Ajulo (Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice)

2. Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde Abiola (Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing)

3. CP Wilfred Afolabi (Commissioner of Police)

4.Chief Adetunji Adeleye (Commander, Ondo State Security Network Agency – AMOTEKUN)

5. Surv. Idowu Owolabi (Ondo State Surveyor-General), and representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Local Government Authorities, Civil Society, and Community leaders from across the state.

6.Barr. Aiyegbusi Festus Olabode of the Ministry of Justice will serve as Coordinator/Secretary.

High-ranking officials present at the inauguration included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac.

This decisive action by the Ondo State government signals a new era for property protection and land administration, aiming to foster peace, justice, and responsible development across the state.