The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr Kayode Ajulo, has issued a stern warning that traditional rulers found guilty of land grabbing offences will face imprisonment.

Speaking in Akure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) about the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill currently before the Ondo State House of Assembly, Ajulo accused some traditional rulers of being complicit in land grabbing activities.

“Government will not shy away from stepping on toes. I must confess, I like to speak my mind, that some of our traditional rulers have caused a lot of problems when it comes to issue of land grabbing,” he stated.

Ajulo alleged that some traditional leaders remain in their palaces while orchestrating violent actions related to land disputes.

“They may be in their palaces, but send people out to cause mayhem. Many a time, we see how they use cutlasses to cut each other’s heads,” he said.

The Attorney-General declared that any traditional rulers arrested and jailed for such offences should expect no sympathy.

“Anytime some Kabiyesi are being picked, with due respect, and sent to jail on this issue, nobody should complain,” he warned.

Ajulo emphasised that the bill aims to address unlawful entry onto landed property and violent conduct associated with such disputes.

He also disclosed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently signed an Executive Order to combat land grabbing in the state.

“Last week, the governor signed Executive Order 2024 to tackle the menace in Ondo State,” he said, adding that the government is determined to resolve the issue decisively.

The Attorney-General expressed concern over the deterrent impact land grabbing has on potential investors. “Many investors want to come to Ondo State, but the first thing they ask about is the issue of land. Many lawyers can testify to this,” he remarked.

Ajulo also revealed that the government is reviewing disputes involving neighbouring communities over land. According to him, the state may assume control of lands in conflict-prone areas to prevent further clashes.

He commended the sponsor of the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill, Mr Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, describing land grabbing as a crime more severe than pickpocketing.

“We know how some lynch those that pick pockets, whereas land grabbing is worse than those that pick pockets,” he said. Ajulo assured that the government would follow through on the legislative initiative as the state’s chief law officer.

The Attorney-General also lauded the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, for working with the executive to advance the state’s development agenda.