- Crackdown on Land Grabbers: Traditional rulers involved in land grabbing face jail time.
- New Laws & Executive Orders: Government enacts measures to tackle unlawful land acquisition.
- Investor Protection: Efforts aim to protect investors from land-related issues.
- Community Disputes: Government intervention in land disputes between communities.
Ondo State Declares War on Land Grabbing
The Ondo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, has made it clear: traditional rulers who engage in land grabbing will be sent to prison. This strong warning comes as the state government intensifies its efforts to curb the menace of land grabbing, which has become a significant problem.
Traditional Rulers Under Scrutiny
Dr. Ajulo didn’t mince words when he stated that some traditional rulers are the masterminds behind land grabbing activities. He described how some traditional rulers operate from their palaces, sending out people to cause chaos and violence. These activities often involve violent clashes, with people using cutlasses and other weapons to fight over land.
New Laws and Executive Orders
To address this issue, the Ondo State House of Assembly is working on an Anti-Land Grabbing Bill. In addition, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has signed an Executive Order 2024 to tackle the menace directly. These measures aim to provide a legal framework to deal with unlawful entry of landed property and related violent conduct.
Why This Matters
The issue of land grabbing is not just about property disputes; it has far-reaching implications for the state’s economy. Many investors are hesitant to come to Ondo State because of the prevalence of land grabbing. As Dr. Ajulo noted, potential investors often ask about the state of land ownership before committing to projects.
Government Intervention in Community Disputes
Beyond individual cases of land grabbing, the government is also tackling community disputes over land. In communities where land-related crises arise, the government plans to step in and take over the disputed land. This measure aims to stop the endless fights and ensure stability.
A Revolution in the Making
The Attorney-General praised the efforts of the House of Assembly, particularly Mr. Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, the sponsor of the bill, describing the move as a revolution. He emphasized that land grabbing is far worse than petty theft and that the government is fully committed to seeing this through.
Looking Ahead
The government’s actions signal a strong commitment to ending land grabbing in Ondo State. By tackling the issue head-on, the state hopes to create a more stable and attractive environment for investment and development.
The Ondo State government is taking a decisive stand against land grabbing, and it’s clear they mean business. Traditional rulers who are involved in land grabbing can no longer operate with impunity. The message is loud and clear: land grabbing will not be tolerated. The state is taking back control and ensuring that law and order prevail.
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