Aiyedatiwa fumes over violent land disputes, fraudulent land resale
… inaugurates taskforce against land grabbing
The governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared war against land grabbing and related crimes in the State, inaugurating the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing.
The taskforce comprises the Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde Abiola, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, CP Wilfred Afolabi, Commissioner of Police, Ondo state, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Commander, Ondo State Security Network Agency (AMOTEKUN), Surv. Idowu Owolabi, Ondo State Surveyor-General, Mr. Adesanya Adelana, representative of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Akin Ogundipe, representative of the Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mr. Maxwell Adelosoye, representative of Local Government Authorities, Surv. John Kemini, representative of Local Government Authorities.
Others include; Olabanjo Aiyenakin, Esq., Representative of Civil Society Organisation, Hon. Joseph Iranola Akinlaja, Community Representative (Central), Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Community Representative (North), Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN, Community Representative (South), and Barr. Aiyegbusi Festus Olabode, Ministry of Justice, Coordinator/Secretary
The governor on Wednesday announced strict penalties for land-related offenses, including up to 21 years’ imprisonment for unlawful resale of properties and 10 years for forceful land acquisition or encroachment.
He expressed concern over the increasing cases of violent land disputes, illegal occupation, fraudulent resale of land, and the imposition of unregulated charges by individuals operating under the guise of “Omo-Onile.”
Aiyedatiwa noted that such activities have led to displacement, conflict, and a breakdown of order in both rural and urban areas.
The law, recently passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly, stipulates the penalties which include 10 years’ imprisonment for land grabbing and forceful entry, 5 years in prison or ₦5 million fine for illegal occupation, 7 years’ imprisonment for violating real estate transaction regulations, 21 years’ imprisonment for the resale of property without proper revocation and 2 years’ imprisonment for collecting illegal levies.
