…threatens 15-year jail term for land grabbers
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has warned individuals engaged in land grabbing to desist or face severe consequences, following a wave of violent attacks on residents in Oyo West Local Government Area.
The monarch issued the warning following reports that suspected land grabbers had unleashed violence on residents across twelve villages, including Itosi Yaya, Tella Omooba, Jowe, Idi-Iyalode, Bada, Ladindin, Janna, Ojutaye, Iporin Kajola, Ajibade, Laagbe, and Ariwinyo.
The affected areas span a vast land mass stretching from Odo-Itosi to Odo-Ogun.
In a statement signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Alaafin stressed that Oyo metropolis is endowed with expansive land resources, noting that land remains a critical driver of economic growth.
The monarch bemoaned the activities of land speculators and what he described as lawless individuals seeking to dispossess rightful owners of their property through intimidation, violence, and extortion.
He reminded perpetrators that the Oyo State Government has enacted the Real Properties Protection Law, 2016, which is currently being enforced through a dedicated task force unit.
Meanwhile, the monarch, on ascending the throne, had set up the Land Committee to restore sanity to the system.
The Committee, which comprises professionals and reputable elders, was inaugurated to address the problem that had festered for decades.
He further noted that the initiative was a response to the cries of the people who have suffered from intimidation, illegal acquisition, and the activities of unscrupulous land speculators.
The monarch added that the Committee’s mandate is to ensure that every parcel of land in the metropolis is governed by law, not by might. Its responsibilities include: Investigating land fraud, encroachments, and unauthorized sales.
The Alaafin, however, reiterated that his administration places high priority on the peace, order, and security of lives and properties in the kingdom, adding that it will leave no stone unturned in its determination to sustain peace and security.
He also advised members of the public to disregard any individual, group, or business establishment that parade themselves as rightful owners of the land mass in the communities.
“Under the law, land grabbers can now be jailed for up to 15 years while those who aid and abet them will also not go scot-free.”
“However, land, the foundation of shelter, business, and investment, has become one of Oyo metropolis most contested assets.
“The surge in land demand has brought with it a dark underbelly: land grabbing, illegal sales, and violent encroachments.
“For years, these activities not only robbed individuals of their properties but also undermined investor confidence and threatened peace in communities.”
