The Sunshine State (Ondo) Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has formally launched a State Task Force to clamp down on the growing menace of land grabbing, fraudulent property resale, and violent disputes tied to land ownership.
Speaking at the inauguration of the task force on Wednesday, the Governor expressed deep concern over the spike in cases of illegal land occupation, extortion by so-called “Omo-Onile,” and forceful takeovers across communities.
“Land is not just an asset—it embodies our identity, culture, and future. We will not allow criminal elements to dispossess our people or destabilize our communities,” he said.
The Governor warned that anyone found guilty of property-related offenses will face severe consequences. As outlined in a new law recently passed by the State Assembly, penalties range from 2 to 21 years behind bars, depending on the offense. These include 21 years for unauthorized resale of land and 10 years for land grabbing or forceful entry.
The legal framework also prescribes five years in prison or a ₦5 million fine for unlawful occupation, and seven years for violations involving real estate transactions. Collecting illegal levies attracts a two-year jail term.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the State Assembly for passing the legislation and praised the Attorney-General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, along with the Ministry of Justice, for crafting the law.
He charged the newly appointed task force members to act decisively and collaborate with local authorities, community leaders, and government agencies to enforce the law.
The 14-member task force includes: Dr.Kayode Ajulo, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice (Chairman), Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde Abiola – Special Adviser on Lands and Housing, CP Wilfred Afolabi – Commissioner of Police amongst others.
In his remarks, Dr. Ajulo recounted that the law was signed on December 30, 2024, as a direct response to escalating land disputes and communal unrest. He stressed that most of the crises traced back to contested ownership claims and unlawful developments.
Also speaking, Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, the legislator who sponsored the bill, credited the Governor for supporting the initiative from the onset. He recalled that before the bill was passed, the Governor had already signed an Executive Order aimed at curbing land grabbing.
Edward Ogumola, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Housing, described the initiative as a turning point in tackling one of the ministry’s most pressing issues.
The new task force is expected to begin work immediately, with a mandate to restore order, protect rightful landowners, and uphold the rule of law in land dealings across Ondo State.
