… as Aiyedatiwa introduces Property Protection Law

By Adedotun Ajayi 

No fewer than 21 years’ imprisonment now awaits those found guilty of land grabbing and unlawful property sales in Ondo State, as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, inaugurated the state’s Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force to clamp down on violators and restore sanity in land administration.

The Governor, who inaugurated the task force at the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, declared that his administration would no longer tolerate the brazen illegality that has turned land dealings in the state into a theatre of violence, fraud, and intimidation.

According to him, the newly signed Ondo State Property Protection Law, 2024, prescribes tough penalties, including 21 years imprisonment for illegal resale of land, 10 years for forceful occupation, and several other jail terms for related offences.

“Land grabbers, take notice, your days are numbered. This government will not fold its arms while criminals displace lawful landowners and breed violence,” the Governor warned sternly.

While charging members of the task force to be firm, fair and fearless, Aiyedatiwa vowed that there would be no sacred cows, saying justice must be served regardless of status or influence.

“This task force is a symbol of our resolve to end impunity and defend the rights of the oppressed,” he said, adding that the law marks a major shift in how land-related crimes will be prosecuted in the state.

Chairman of the newly constituted task force and Attorney-General of the state, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, described the development as a “new dawn” for land governance, saying it will bring reprieve to victims of land theft and extortion.

He noted that provisions of the law, particularly Sections 3, 4, 12, and 14, empower the task force to investigate, arrest, and prosecute offenders who engage in forceful entry, illegal levies under the guise of “omo-onile,” threats, and encroachments.

“There will be no untouchables,” Ajulo declared. “Whoever contravenes the law will be met with the full wrath of justice. We are determined to clean up the rot in our land system and restore order.”

Also speaking at the event, Moyinoluwa Ogunwumiju, representing Ondo West Constituency I in the House of Assembly, lauded the Governor’s support in backing the legislative process that birthed the new law.

He said: “This law is the product of teamwork between the Executive and Legislature, and today marks a significant moment in our effort to end land racketeering and protect the people.”

The law, passed late last year and signed on December 30, 2024, stipulates the following punishments: 21 years for unlawful resale or sale of land/property, 10 years for forceful entry and illegal occupation, 7 years for imposing illegal levies (“omo-onile” charges), 5 years for threats or use of violence in land matters, 5 years for trespassing with intent to take possession, 7 years for aiding and abetting land-related crimes

The task force, composed of officials from the Ministries of Justice, Physical Planning, Urban Development, Surveyor-General’s Office, representatives of the Police, Amotekun Corps, local governments, civil society groups, and community leaders across the three senatorial zones, will serve a four-year term.

Among dignitaries present at the inauguration were Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff Prince Olusegun Omojuwa, Head of Service Mr. Bayo Philip, Commissioner for Finance Mrs. Olawunmi Isaac, and several others.