The Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers involved in land grabbing, stating that they could face jail time if found guilty. This warning comes in the wake of ongoing legislative efforts to tackle the menace of land grabbing in the state.
Ajulo, speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure, expressed his frustration with traditional rulers who, he claimed, are often at the heart of land grabbing activities.
The commissioner did not mince words when he spoke about the role of traditional rulers in the illegal acquisition of land. “Some of our traditional rulers have caused a lot of problems when it comes to land grabbing,” he said.
Ajulo revealed that many of these rulers are allegedly using their positions of power to orchestrate land disputes, often leading to violent clashes over property.
“They may be in their palaces, but they send people out to cause mayhem,” he added. “Many a time, we see how they use cutlasses to cut each other’s heads.”
The Attorney-General was quick to emphasise that the Ondo State government would not shy away from taking action against those involved in land grabbing, regardless of their status. He made it clear that no one, not even traditional rulers, would be exempt from the law.
“Anytime some Kabiyesi (traditional rulers) are being picked, with due respect, and sent to jail on this issue, nobody should complain,” he said firmly. “We know what is good and we know what is bad.”
Ajulo’s statements come as the state House of Assembly deliberates on the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill, which aims to address the widespread issue of unlawful land acquisition and violent conduct in relation to land.
The Attorney-General also pointed to the recent actions of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who signed an Executive Order aimed at addressing the problem of land grabbing. Ajulo praised the governor’s efforts, stating that the order would provide the necessary legal framework to combat the issue in the state.
“Last week, the governor signed Executive Order 2024 to tackle the menace in Ondo State,” Ajulo revealed. He added that the government was determined to stamp out the practice, which has long been a source of concern for both citizens and investors.
Ajulo went on to highlight the negative impact land grabbing has on investment in the state. He noted that many potential investors have expressed concern about the issue, often citing land disputes as a major barrier to doing business in Ondo State.
“Many investors want to come to Ondo State, but the first thing they ask about is the issue of land,” Ajulo said. “Many lawyers can testify to this.”
The commissioner’s remarks reflect a broader concern that land grabbing is hindering the state’s economic development. With land disputes often leading to violence, many investors are hesitant to invest in areas with such instability.
Ajulo voiced his full support for the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill, which is currently before the Ondo State House of Assembly. The bill is expected to provide stronger legal protections against land grabbing and violent land disputes, with the aim of ensuring that property rights are respected and that communities can live without the fear of land-related violence.
Ajulo praised the sponsor of the bill, Mr Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, and described land grabbing as a serious offence that should not be tolerated.
“We know how some lynch those that pick pockets, whereas land grabbing is worse than those that pick pockets,” he remarked. He called the fight against land grabbing a “revolution” and promised that his office would continue to follow up on the issue with urgency.
The Attorney-General also touched on the government’s approach to resolving land disputes between neighbouring communities. Ajulo stated that if any community is found to be in conflict over land, the government would intervene by taking over the disputed land to prevent further violence.
“If there is crisis on land in any community, the government will start taking over such land so that such fights will stop,” Ajulo explained.
This proactive approach aims to prevent the escalation of violence and ensure that land disputes do not lead to unnecessary loss of life or property damage.
Ajulo also took the opportunity to thank the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, for his collaboration with the executive arm of the state government in addressing land grabbing.
“I appreciate the Speaker for his collaboration in moving the state forward,” he said, noting that the joint effort between the executive and legislative arms of government would be key to tackling this persistent issue.
Ajulo’s comments have sent a strong message to traditional rulers in Ondo State, warning them that the government is ready to take action against those involved in land grabbing. With the new Anti-Land Grabbing Bill and Executive Order 2024, the state government is sending a clear message that it will no longer tolerate illegal land acquisition and violence.
While some traditional rulers may be uncomfortable with the government’s tough stance, Ajulo’s remarks suggest that the time for leniency is over. For those who continue to engage in land grabbing, the consequences could be severe, including jail time.
