The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has introduced stringent measures to address the issue of land grabbing in the state. Under the new directives, anyone found unlawfully seizing land or property belonging to others will face legal action through the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority and the newly established Anti-Land Grabbing Agency.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement hosted by the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED) at the University of Ibadan, Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal, stressed the government’s commitment to upholding property rights and protecting residents from illegal land encroachment.
Makinde described land grabbing as a criminal act, asserting, “The era of forcefully taking possession of another’s land is over. Such acts are punishable under our new anti-land grabbing law.”
The governor also expressed concerns over environmental violations, including indiscriminate cattle grazing, and vowed to prosecute offenders. Justice Aderonke Aderemi, head of the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, will oversee legal actions related to these violations.
In addition to addressing land disputes, the engagement event focused on reviving the core values of the Yoruba culture, such as respect for elders, integrity, and hospitality. These values, according to the event’s speakers, have been undermined over time.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, praised OYMASED for its efforts and announced plans for public awareness campaigns to promote socio-economic development.
Justice Aderemi emphasized the need for value reorientation and adherence to the law, aligning with the governor’s broader vision for institutional reform and public order.
