Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced that land grabbing is now a criminal offense, with individuals caught forcibly occupying another person’s property set to face legal repercussions.
This declaration comes as part of efforts to tackle the growing problem of land encroachment in the state, through the establishment of the Anti-Land Grabbing Agency and the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal, made the announcement during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement event organized by the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED) at the University of Ibadan.
The session, which aimed to revive the core values of the Yoruba people, saw discussions on how to address socio-economic challenges in the state, with a focus on land-related issues.
Governor Makinde expressed confidence that the newly created agencies would play a pivotal role in curbing land grabbing, calling the practice “alarming” and stressing that forcefully taking land from others would no longer be tolerated.
“Forceful occupation of land is no longer acceptable,” he stated. “Anyone attempting this must be prepared to face the consequences.”
In addition to tackling land grabbing, Makinde also warned against indiscriminate cattle grazing, revealing that violators would be prosecuted under the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, which is headed by retired Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi.
The event also highlighted the ongoing efforts of OYMASED to address various socio-economic issues, with the Director-General of the agency emphasizing the importance of returning to the foundational values of integrity, respect for elders, and hospitality.
The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, further endorsed OYMASED’s initiatives, announcing plans for public awareness campaigns.
Key stakeholders at the event, including traditional leaders and legal officials, voiced their support for the governor’s initiatives to restore order and discipline in the state.
Justice Aderemi also lauded the steps taken to ensure compliance with state regulations and promote value reorientation.
