Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared tough new penalties for land-related offenses, introducing jail terms of up to 21 years for illegal resale of land and 10 years for forceful acquisition or encroachment.
This announcement came on Wednesday during the inauguration of the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing in Akure.
The governor made it clear that his administration is taking a firm stance against land grabbing and related criminal activities.
“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 said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa raised alarm over the growing incidence of violent disputes, illegal land sales, and the imposition of unauthorized charges by those exploiting the traditional “Omo-Onile” system.
He said these issues have disrupted peace and caused displacement across both urban and rural areas.
The new law, passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly, outlines severe consequences: 10 years’ imprisonment for land grabbing and forceful entry, 5 years in prison or a ₦5 million fine for unlawful occupation, 7 years for violating real estate transaction laws, 21 years for reselling land without proper revocation, and 2 years for collecting illegal levies.
Governor Aiyedatiwa applauded the legislative efforts that brought the law into effect.
“I commend the House of Assembly for its proactive legislative action,” he said, describing the new law as “timely and visionary.”
He also praised the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Justice for crafting a legal framework that enables the government to aggressively combat land-related offenses.
The governor urged the newly formed Task Force to enforce the law impartially.
“Work closely with relevant ministries, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure proper implementation,” he charged the task force.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to the security of lives and property, Aiyedatiwa stressed that the protection of land rights is key to peace and sustainable development.
The Task Force includes notable officials: 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, Ondo State), Chief Adetunji Adeleye (Commander, Amotekun Corps), and Surv. Idowu Owolabi (Ondo State Surveyor-General), among others from ministries, local governments, and civil society.
During his welcome speech, Attorney General Dr. Ajulo recalled the passage of the law on December 30, 2024, highlighting it as a critical step toward restoring order in land administration.
“Most communal clashes in the State have their roots in unresolved land ownership issues.” he emphasized.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, who sponsored the bill and represents Ondo West Constituency I, thanked the governor for his strong backing.
“Even before the bill was passed, the Governor had demonstrated strong commitment by issuing an Executive Order against land grabbing,” he noted.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Edward Ogumola, echoed these sentiments, calling the Task Force’s establishment a “major milestone” in the battle against illegal land activities.
“Land grabbing has long been one of the biggest challenges facing the ministry,” he said, adding that the initiative will significantly ease their operations.
