Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has taken a bold step against the growing menace of land grabbing and associated crimes by inaugurating the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to curb violent land disputes, fraudulent resale of land, illegal occupation, and extortion under the guise of “Omo-Onile,” which have plagued many communities in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Aiyedatiwa decried the spate of land-related crimes that have disrupted lives and destabilized communities, particularly in urban and rural areas.
He described land not just as property, but as a heritage and a symbol of identity that must be protected.
The Governor declared that his administration would no longer tolerate criminal elements depriving people of their legitimate rights, warning that violators will face strict penalties, including up to 21 years’ imprisonment for the unlawful resale of properties, 10 years for forceful land acquisition or encroachment, seven years for flouting real estate transaction regulations, and five years or a fine of five million naira for illegal occupation.
He further stated that anyone caught collecting illegal levies would face two years in prison.
He lauded the Ondo State House of Assembly for its foresight and legislative support, having recently passed the law that backs the enforcement of these penalties.
The Governor also commended the Attorney General and officials of the Ministry of Justice for their work in drafting the legislation, which he said now provides the government with the necessary legal framework to crack down on land grabbing and protect residents’ property rights.
In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, recalled that Governor Aiyedatiwa signed the bill establishing the task force into law on December 30, 2024.
He highlighted how unresolved land ownership disputes have fueled tension and communal clashes across the state, stressing the urgency of addressing the issue through this new task force.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, member of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Ondo West Constituency I and sponsor of the bill, thanked the Governor for his commitment to the fight against land grabbing.
He noted that even before the law was passed, Governor Aiyedatiwa had shown leadership by issuing an Executive Order aimed at curbing the problem.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Edward Ogumola, described the creation of the task force as a milestone that will significantly ease the ministry’s burden in dealing with land disputes, which have remained one of the most persistent challenges in the state.
The newly inaugurated task force is made up of key government officials, legal and security experts, as well as representatives from local government authorities and civil society.
Governor Aiyedatiwa charged the members of the task force to execute their responsibilities without fear or favour, calling for collaboration with community leaders, ministries, and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of the law.
The event was attended by top government functionaries, including 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; and Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde Abiola, among others.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives, properties, and investments, stating that the promotion of peace, justice, and responsible development remains a cornerstone of his government’s vision for Ondo State.
