Alaafin issues stern warning to land grabbers, condemns attacks on Oyo communities

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has issued a strong warning to individuals involved in land grabbing, urging them to desist from forceful encroachment on other people’s properties or face legal consequences.

The warning followed reports of violent attacks allegedly carried out by land grabbers on residents of about 12 villages in Oyo West Local Government Area.

The affected communities include Itosi Yaya, Tella Omooba, Jowe, Idi-Iyalode, Bada, Ladindin, Janna, Ojutaye, Iporin Kajola, Ajibade, Laagbe, and Ariwinyo. These areas stretch across areas between Odo-Itosi and Odo-Ogun.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch emphasized the importance of land as a critical factor for economic development, noting that Oyo metropolis is endowed with vast land resources.

He expressed concern that land speculators and lawless individuals have continued to dispossess rightful landowners through intimidation, violence, and illegal demands for fees, reminding offenders that the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law 2016 remains in force with land grabbers risking up to 15 years imprisonment.

While preferring solutions, the Alaafin disclosed that he established a land committee comprising professionals and community elders to restore order and enforce lawful land ownership practices, adding that the committee is mandated to investigate cases of land fraud, encroachment, and unauthorized land sales, with the goal of ensuring that land administration in the metropolis is governed by law rather than force.

Oba Owoade reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace, security, and order across the kingdom, assuring residents that authorities would continue efforts to protect lives and property, amid urging members of the public to ignore individuals or groups falsely claiming ownership of lands in the affected communities without proper legal documentation.

According to sources, lland disputes have become increasingly common in Oyo State due to rising demand for land, leading to illegal sales, violent encroachments, and loss of investor confidence in affected communities.