The Ondo State House of Assembly is deliberating on a bill that introduces strict penalties for land grabbers, including up to 10 years in prison for forceful entry or illegal property takeovers.
In support of the fight against land grabbing, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has signed an Executive Order banning such activities.
The Executive Order seeks to put an end to forceful entry, illegal land occupation, and fraudulent or violent land-related practices across the state.
To ensure compliance, the governor has set up a Task Force tasked with safeguarding property rights, upholding the rule of law, and creating a secure environment for residents and property owners.
The proposed bill also stipulates a 21-year prison sentence for anyone who sells family land without obtaining consent from the family head or secretary.
Hon. Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, representing Ondo West Constituency 1 and the sponsor of the bill, highlighted its benefits during a public hearing. He emphasized that the legislation would enhance land management, protect landowners, attract investors, and promote peace and development in the state.
According to Ogunwumiju, the bill aims to regulate land transactions, safeguard the interests of landowners and buyers, punish encroachers, and criminalize unregistered agents.
The penalties outlined in the bill include up to 10 years in prison for forceful entry or property takeovers and up to 21 years for unauthorized sales of family land.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Olamide Oladiji, called on committee members and stakeholders to ensure the bill aligns with the interests of the people. He stated that the legislation would help maintain order and enforce appropriate sanctions on offenders.
“Land grabbers pose a significant threat to property acquisition. Their activities ranging from trespassing, forceful occupation, and illegal sales of properties to multiple buyers must be confronted decisively.”
The Majority Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, stated that the bill would serve the greater good of society.
Ondo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo, noted that the bill would improve land administration and reinforce the Executive Order recently signed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Stakeholders, including traditional rulers, emphasized the importance of fully implementing the bill once it becomes law.
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