By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
In a bold move to restore order and curb the growing menace of land grabbing in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has inaugurated the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing, vowing to come down hard on offenders with unprecedented legal penalties.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held on Wednesday, the Governor expressed deep frustration over the surge in violent land disputes, fraudulent resale of property, illegal occupation, and the persistent exploitation of landowners by individuals masquerading as “Omo-Onile.”
He described these issues as serious threats to peace, security, and development across the State’s rural and urban communities.
“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,” Aiyedatiwa declared.
Backed by a newly passed law from the Ondo State House of Assembly, the Governor announced stringent punitive measures: 21 years’ imprisonment for the unlawful resale of property, 10 years for land grabbing and forceful entry, five years or ₦5 million for illegal occupation, seven years for violating real estate transaction regulations, and two years for collecting unauthorised levies.
These penalties, the Governor said, are designed to serve as a deterrent and ensure that land transactions in the State are governed by fairness, transparency, and legality.
The newly constituted Task Force is a robust multi-sectoral team drawn from government ministries, law enforcement, civil society, and community representatives.
It includes key figures such as the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo; Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi; Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye; and representatives from local government, civil society, and professional bodies.
The team is tasked with enforcing the new law and coordinating efforts to resolve land-related conflicts.
Ajulo, who gave the welcome address, recounted that the Governor had signed the enabling legislation on 30 December 2024, setting the stage for the Task Force’s formation.
He described the situation as dire, noting that land disputes are at the heart of many communal clashes in the State.
He called the Governor’s intervention “timely and courageous,” praising the legal foundation now in place to address the problem head-on.
The law’s sponsor, Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, representing Ondo West Constituency I, thanked the Governor for his steadfast support, highlighting that even before the bill was passed, Aiyedatiwa had issued an Executive Order to combat land grabbing.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Edward Ogumola, also lauded the Governor’s initiative, describing land grabbing as one of the ministry’s most persistent challenges.
He expressed optimism that the Task Force’s work would significantly ease the burden of property regulation and dispute resolution.
Governor Aiyedatiwa charged the Task Force members to execute their mandate with integrity, fairness, and resolve.
He called for collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, and government institutions, emphasising that responsible land management is key to sustaining peace and attracting investment into Ondo State.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking government officials including Deputy Governor; Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government; Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff; Prince Segun Omojuwa, and Commissioner for Finance; Mrs. Omowumi Isaac.
