Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has inaugurated the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing, as part of a renewed effort to clamp down on land-related crimes in the state.
Speaking during the inauguration, Aiyedatiwa expressed deep concern over the rising incidence of violent land disputes, illegal occupation, fraudulent resale of land, and the imposition of extortionate levies by individuals acting under the guise of “Omo-Onile”.
He condemned these practices, stating that they have led to conflict, displacement, and disorder across both rural and urban communities in Ondo State.
The governor declared that his administration would no longer tolerate such criminal acts and announced strict penalties for offenders.
Under the new law recently passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly, individuals found guilty of unlawfully reselling property without proper revocation would face up to 21 years in prison.
Forceful entry or encroachment now carries a penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, while illegal occupation attracts either five years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦5 million.
Furthermore, those who violate real estate transaction regulations risk seven years in prison, and those who collect illegal levies face a two-year jail term.
Aiyedatiwa emphasised the importance of land to the people of Ondo State, describing it as more than just property, but a heritage, a birthright, and the foundation of community identity.
He stressed that the state government would not allow criminal elements to deprive citizens of their rightful ownership of land.
He commended the State House of Assembly for its proactive approach in enacting the legislation, describing the law as both timely and visionary.
He also praised the Attorney-General and the officials of the Ministry of Justice for their dedication in drafting the legal framework that has empowered the state to tackle land grabbing and related offences.
The governor charged members of the newly inaugurated Task Force to implement the law without fear or favour. He urged them to collaborate with relevant ministries, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure the proper enforcement of the law.
He assured the people of the state that his administration remains committed to protecting lives, property, and investments, noting that peace, justice, and responsible development are vital for the progress of the state.
The Task Force comprises key figures from government, law enforcement, civil society, and the community.
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These include the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo; the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engineer Olawoye Ayorinde Abiola; the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Wilfred Afolabi; and the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), Chief Adetunji Adeleye.
Other members are the Ondo State Surveyor-General, Surveyor Idowu Owolabi; a representative of the Ministry of Justice, Adesanya Adelana; and a representative of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Akin Ogundipe.
Also included are Maxwell Adelosoye and Surveyor John Kemini, both representing Local Government Authorities; a representative of civil society organisations, Olabanjo Aiyenakin, and three community representatives: Joseph Iranola Akinlaja for the Central zone, Tunji Abayomi for the North, and Ebun Adegboruwa for the South.
Barrister Aiyegbusi Festus Olabode from the Ministry of Justice was appointed as the Coordinator and Secretary of the Task Force.
In his welcome address, the Ajulo, recalled that Aiyedatiwa had signed the bill establishing the Task Force into law on Monday, 30 December 2024.
He lamented the widespread tension and conflict triggered by land disputes and noted that many communal clashes in the state stem from unresolved issues around land ownership.
