By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

Stakeholders have commended a bill seeking to prohibit forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, as well as violent and fraudulent activities related to land matters in Ondo State.

They noted that when passed into law, the bill would improve land administration, protect landowners, attract investors, and foster peace and development in the state.

The observations were made on Tuesday during a public hearing held at the Ondo State House of Assembly Complex, Akure.

The bill, sponsored by Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, a lawmaker representing Ondo West Constituency 1 and the Parliamentary Secretary of the Assembly, was committed to the House Committee on Lands and Housing after its second reading some months ago.

Stakeholders at the hearing decried the rising cases of land grabbing in the state, expressing optimism that the bill would curb the menace once enacted into law.

The hearing attracted traditional rulers, members of the state cabinet, representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), security operatives, civil society groups, real estate agents, and members of the public, all of whom contributed their input.

Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, highlighted the significance of the bill, urging committee members and stakeholders to ensure it serves the interests of the people.

“Land grabbers pose a significant threat to property acquisition. Their activities ranging from trespassing, forceful occupation, and illegal sales of properties to multiple buyers must be confronted decisively,” Oladiji said.

He added that the bill, once passed, would maintain order in the state and impose necessary sanctions on offenders.

In his remarks, the sponsor of the bill, Ogunwumiju, explained that the proposed law seeks to regulate land dealings, protect landowners and buyers, penalise encroachers, and criminalise unregistered agents.

He emphasised that land grabbing and the activities of unregistered agents have become major concerns in the state, necessitating collective efforts to address the issues.

Ogunwumiju further revealed that the bill proposes penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for forceful entry or takeover of properties and up to 21 years for selling family land without the consent of the family head or secretary.

The Majority Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, noted that the bill, when passed, would significantly benefit society.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Lands and Housing, Abiola Oladapo, said the bill’s timing was apt, as it would resolve challenges in the real estate sector.

At the hearing, Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Akinwumi Sowore, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), and Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters and Special Duties, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, expressed their support for the bill.

They stated that it would enhance land administration and complement the executive order recently signed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Stakeholders at the event described the bill as a welcome development and pledged their support for its full implementation. Many submitted memoranda and suggested amendments to specific portions of the bill.