The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared a firm and decisive war against land grabbing and related crimes in the State, as he inaugurated the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing on Wednesday.
The Governor announced strict penalties for land-related offenses, including up to 21 years’ imprisonment for unlawful resale of properties and 10 years for forceful land acquisition or encroachment.
“Land is more than just property. It is our heritage, a birthright, and the foundation of community identity. We will not stand by and allow criminal elements to rob our people of what rightfully belongs to them,” he said.
The Governor expressed concern over the increasing cases of violent land disputes, illegal occupation, fraudulent resale of land, and the imposition of unregulated charges by individuals operating under the guise of “Omo-Onile.”
He noted that such activities have led to displacement, conflict, and a breakdown of order in both rural and urban areas.
The law, recently passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly, stipulates the penalties which include 10 years’ imprisonment for land grabbing and forceful entry, 5 years in prison or ₦5 million fine for illegal occupation, 7 years’ imprisonment for violating real estate transaction regulations, 21 years’ imprisonment for the resale of property without proper revocation and 2 years’ imprisonment for collecting illegal levies.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the House of Assembly for its proactive legislative action, describing the law as timely and visionary. He also applauded the Honourable Attorney-General and officials of the Ministry of Justice for their diligence in drafting a legal framework that now empowers the State to clamp down on land-related crimes.
He charged members of the newly formed Task Force to enforce the law without fear or favour, urging them to work closely with relevant ministries, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure proper implementation.
The Governor assured the people of Ondo State of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives, properties, and investments. He emphasized that peace, justice, and responsible development are essential for the progress of the State.
Members of the task force are;
1. Dr Kayode Ajulo, Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Ondo state
2. Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde Abiola, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing
3. CP Wilfred Afolabi, Commissioner of Police, Ondo state
4. Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Commander, Ondo State Security
Network Agency (AMOTEKUN)
5. Surv. Idowu Owolabi,
Ondo State Surveyor-General
6. Mr. Adesanya Adelana,
Representative of the Ministry of Justice
7. Mr. Akin Ogundipe,
Representative of the Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development
8. Mr. Maxwell Adelosoye,
Representative of Local Government Authorities
9. Surv. John Kemini,
Representative of Local Government Authorities.
10. Olabanjo Aiyenakin, Esq.,
Representative of Civil Society Organisation
11. Hon. Joseph Iranola Akinlaja,
Community Representative (Central)
12. Dr. Tunji Abayomi,
Community Representative (North)
13. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN,
Community Representative (South)
14. Barr. Aiyegbusi Festus Olabode,
Ministry of Justice, Coordinator/Secretary
Earlier in his welcome address, the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, recalled that on Monday, December 30, 2024, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa signed into law the bill that laid the foundation for the establishment of the Task Force being inaugurated.
The Commissioner lamented the rising tension and conflicts across communities caused by land disputes, stressing that most communal clashes in the State have their roots in unresolved land ownership issues.
Meanwhile, member of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Ondo West Constituency I, Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, and sponsor of the bill, in his brief remarks, thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support of the legislation.
He noted that even before the bill was passed, the Governor had demonstrated strong commitment by issuing an Executive Order against land grabbing in the State.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Edward Ogumola also commended the Governor for what he described as a major milestone. He noted that land grabbing has long been one of the biggest challenges facing the ministry and that the inauguration of the Task Force would significantly ease their work.
Present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac; Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye; among others.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
May 28, 2025.
GOV AIYEDATIWA COMMISSIONS ROAD PROJECT IN ONDO
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday commissioned the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Stadium/Hospital Road in Ondo City, Ondo West Local Government Area as he kicked off activities marking his first 100 days in office.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Governor described the event as a significant milestone in his administration’s journey to delivering on its promise of people-focused governance through strategic infrastructure development.
“This is not just another road. It is a critical lifeline, an artery connecting our communities to essential healthcare services, a pathway to greater accessibility, and a powerful symbol of our administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of every Ondo State resident”, he said.
The reconstructed road serves as a major access route to key healthcare institutions including the General Hospital in Ondo City, the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex, and surrounding residential and commercial areas.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that the project was not only a response to infrastructure decay but also a deliberate intervention in support of the state’s healthcare delivery system.
He recalled the challenges previously faced by road users, especially ambulances and emergency vehicles that struggled to access health facilities due to the deplorable condition of the road.
The Governor noted that the Hospital–NCI Road project exemplifies the core ideals of his administration’s “OUR EASE” Agenda – a governance blueprint prioritizing infrastructure renewal, improved access to social services, and quality of life enhancement. He assured the people that this project was only one of many more to come under his leadership.
In recognizing the effort behind the project’s completion, Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated the contractors, engineers, construction workers, and supervisory teams whose dedication brought the vision to life.
The Governor also thanked the residents and communities along the project corridor for their patience and cooperation during the period of construction, acknowledging the temporary inconveniences they endured.
Governor Aiyedatiwa pledged that his administration, guided by the “OUR EASE” Agenda and the broader “Renewed Hope” national development framework championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would continue to initiate and complete projects that directly impact the lives of the people. According to him, priority would be given to infrastructural developments that stimulate inclusive economic growth and attract sustainable investments into Ondo State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, commended the Governor for his commitment to reducing the infrastructure deficit across the State.
He noted that the commissioning of the newly constructed Hospital–NCI Road is a clear testament to the administration’s dedication to development. Engr. Olawoye further disclosed that contractors are actively working on several other strategic projects within the constituency, including roads in the Ayeyemi, Valentino, and Sabo areas of Ondo City.
In their separate remarks, Hon. Abiola Makinde, Member representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, Member representing Ondo West Constituency 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly, expressed deep appreciation to the Governor on behalf of the people.
They praised him for fulfilling key campaign promises, especially in the area of infrastructure development, and described the road project as a symbol of responsive and impactful leadership.
The Chairman of Ondo West Local Government, Hon. Ayotunde Akinfolarin, also expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritising projects that directly benefit the grassroots. He described the road commissioning as a historic event for the people of Ondo City and lauded the Governor’s people-centred approach to governance.
Representing the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Simeon Oguntimehin, conveyed the monarch’s goodwill and appreciation to the Governor. He applauded the state government for the visible transformation taking place in Ondo City and urged the people to remain supportive of the administration.
High Chief Oguntimehin noted that the road project was highly symbolic, as it reflects the government’s responsiveness to the needs of the people and its respect for the traditional institution.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; State Chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip; Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, traditional rulers; members of the State Executive Council and other top government officials.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
May 29, 2025.
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