The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced strict penalties for land-related offenses, including 21 years? imprisonment for unlawful resale of properties and 10 years for forceful land acquisition or encroachment.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who stated this while inaugurated the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing on Wednesday in Akure declared a firm and decisive war against land grabbing and related crimes in the State.

His words: ?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.

The Governor 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.?

He 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.

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the House of Assembly for its proactive legislative action, describing the law as timely and visionary. He also applauded the Honourable Attorney-General and officials of the Ministry of Justice for their diligence in drafting a legal framework that now empowers the State to clamp down on land-related crimes.

He charged members of the newly formed Task Force to enforce the law without fear or favour, urging them to work closely with relevant ministries, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure proper implementation.

The Governor assured the people of Ondo State of his administration?s commitment to protecting lives, properties, and investments. He emphasized that peace, justice, and responsible development are essential for the progress of the State.

Meanwhile, members of the task force are; Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Ondo state; 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) and Surv. Idowu Owolabi, Ondo State Surveyor-General.

Others include, 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; Olabanjo Aiyenakin,

Representative of Civil Society Organisation among others.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, recalled that on Monday, December 30, 2024, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa signed into law the bill that laid the foundation for the establishment of the Task Force being inaugurated.

The Commissioner lamented the rising tension and conflicts across communities caused by land disputes, stressing that most communal clashes in the State have their roots in unresolved land ownership issues.

Meanwhile, member of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Ondo West Constituency I, Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, and sponsor of the bill, in his brief remarks, thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support of the legislation.

He noted that even before the bill was passed, the Governor had demonstrated strong commitment by issuing an Executive Order against land grabbing in the State.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Edward Ogumola also commended the Governor for what he described as a major milestone. He noted that land grabbing has long been one of the biggest challenges facing the ministry and that the inauguration of the Task Force would significantly ease their work. (AriseNews TV)

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