Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has announced a tough new law that prescribes up to 21 years in prison for individuals found guilty of illegally reselling land or properties in the state.
The governor made the declaration in Akure on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the Ondo State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing. The move is part of efforts to clamp down on land-related crimes that have led to growing tension, displacement, and violence in many parts of the state.
“Land is more than property. It is our heritage, a birthright, and the foundation of community identity,” Aiyedatiwa said. “We will not stand by and allow criminals to rob our people of what belongs to them.”
The law, recently passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly, outlines strict penalties for land-related offenses, including:
* 21 years’ imprisonment for reselling property without legal revocation
* 10 years for land grabbing and forceful entry
* 5 years or a ₦5 million fine for illegal occupation
* 7 years for violating real estate laws
* 2 years for collecting illegal levies
The governor expressed concern over the rising activities of “Omo-Onile” — individuals who unlawfully collect money or resell land, often leading to violent confrontations and disputes. He noted that such actions have disrupted peace and slowed development in both rural and urban areas of the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the House of Assembly for passing the bill and the Ministry of Justice for drafting what he called a “visionary and timely” law. He also urged the newly inaugurated task force to enforce the law without fear or favour.
“You must work closely with ministries, traditional rulers, and local government leaders to ensure full enforcement. Our people deserve peace, justice, and responsible development,” he said.
Members of the task force include top officials such as Dr. Kayode Ajulo (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice), CP Wilfred Afolabi (Ondo State Commissioner of Police), Chief Adetunji Adeleye (Commander of Amotekun Corps), and Surv. Idowu Owolabi (State Surveyor-General).
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Ajulo said the law was signed on December 30, 2024, laying the foundation for the establishment of the task force. He noted that many communal conflicts in Ondo are linked to unresolved land disputes.
Also speaking, Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, sponsor of the bill and member representing Ondo West Constituency I, thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support. He recalled that even before the law was passed, the governor had issued an Executive Order to address land grabbing.
Edward Ogumola, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, described the new task force as a major step toward curbing illegal land activities that have plagued the ministry’s work for years.
With the new law and task force in place, the Ondo State Government says it is committed to restoring order, protecting property rights, and encouraging safe investment in land and real estate.
