***As Gov fumes over violent land disputes, fraudulent resale of land, ‘Omo-Onile’ extortion
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared an uncompromising stance against land grabbing and related offenses with the formal inauguration of the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing.
Under the new legal framework recently passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly, strict penalties have been introduced to curb the menace of illegal land dealings. The law prescribes:
- 21 years’ imprisonment for unlawful resale of property without proper revocation,
- 10 years for forceful land acquisition or encroachment,
- 5 years in prison or a ₦5 million fine for illegal occupation,
- 7 years’ imprisonment for violating real estate transaction regulations,
- 2 years for the collection of illegal levies.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the gravity of land-related crimes, stating, “Land is more than just property. It is our heritage, a birthright, and the foundation of community identity. We will not stand by and allow criminal elements to rob our people of what rightfully belongs to them.”
He expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of violent land disputes, illegal occupation, fraudulent resale of property, and the notorious “Omo-Onile” extortion practice, which he noted have led to displacement, unrest, and a breakdown of order in various communities.
Commending the State House of Assembly for its proactive legislative response, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the new law as timely and visionary. He also praised the Honourable Attorney-General and officials of the Ministry of Justice for crafting a robust legal structure to combat land-related crimes.
The Governor charged the newly inaugurated Task Force to enforce the law without fear or favour and to work collaboratively with ministries, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.
“Our administration is fully committed to protecting lives, properties, and investments in Ondo State. Peace, justice, and responsible development are the pillars on which our progress rests,” he assured.
Members of the Task Force include:
- Dr. Kayode Ajulo — Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice
- Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde Abiola — Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing
- CP Wilfred Afolabi — Commissioner of Police
- Chief Adetunji Adeleye — Commander, Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun)
- Surv. Idowu Owolabi — Ondo State Surveyor-General
- Mr. Adesanya Adelana — Representative, Ministry of Justice
- Mr. Akin Ogundipe — Representative, Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development
- Mr. Maxwell Adelosoye — Representative, Local Government Authorities
- Surv. John Kemini — Representative, Local Government Authorities
- Olabanjo Aiyenakin, Esq. — Representative, Civil Society Organisation
- Hon. Joseph Iranola Akinlaja — Community Representative (Central)
- Dr. Tunji Abayomi — Community Representative (North)
- Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN — Community Representative (South)
- Barr. Aiyegbusi Festus Olabode — Ministry of Justice, Coordinator/Secretary
In his welcome address, the Attorney-General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, recalled that Governor Aiyedatiwa had signed the enabling bill into law on December 30, 2024. He highlighted that unresolved land ownership issues remain a major cause of communal clashes across the State.
Also speaking, Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, member representing Ondo West Constituency I and sponsor of the bill, lauded the Governor’s commitment, noting that even prior to the legislation, the Governor had issued an Executive Order targeting land grabbing.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Edward Ogumola, described the development as a “major milestone,” noting that the Task Force would greatly assist in curbing one of the ministry’s most persistent challenges.
Dignitaries at the event included 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 other top government officials.
