The Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade, has issued a strong warning to individuals engaged in land grabbing activities, particularly those who use violence, intimidation, and coercion to extort money from lawful property owners, cautioning that such actions will attract serious repercussions if not stopped immediately.
The monarch’s intervention comes in the wake of reported violent incidents linked to land grabbers targeting residents across 12 communities in the Oyo West Local Government Area.
The affected settlements include Itosi Yaya, Tella Omooba, Jowe, Idi-Iyalode, Bada, Ladindin, Janna, Ojutaye, Iporin Kajola, Ajibade, Laagbe, and Ariwinyo, with the disputed expanse of land stretching from Odo-Itosi to Odo-Ogun.
In a statement released on Friday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch stressed that Oyo metropolis is blessed with vast land resources, noting that land remains one of the most important drivers of economic development.
He expressed concern that over time, individuals driven by speculation and unlawful profit-seeking have adopted violent and illegal means to dispossess rightful owners of their properties.
Oba Owoade also referenced the Real Properties Protection Law 2016 enacted by the Oyo State Government, stating that it is being enforced through a dedicated task force.
He stated, “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.”
The statement further noted that land, being essential for housing, trade, and investment, has become increasingly contentious within the Oyo metropolis.
“For years, these activities have not only deprived individuals of their rightful properties but have also eroded investor confidence and threatened peace across communities.
“In response to the escalating crisis, the Alaafin, upon ascending the throne, declared that “enough is enough” and established a Land Committee tasked with restoring order and legality to land administration in the kingdom.
“The Committee, comprising seasoned professionals and respected elders, was inaugurated to tackle a long-standing issue that has persisted for decades.
“Its creation was prompted by widespread complaints from residents who have endured intimidation, unlawful land acquisitions, and exploitation by unscrupulous speculators.
“The Committee’s mandate is to ensure that land ownership and transactions within the metropolis are governed strictly by law rather than force.
“Its responsibilities include investigating cases of land fraud, encroachment, and unauthorised sales,“ the statement said.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace and stability, the monarch emphasized that protecting lives and property remains a top priority, adding that every necessary step will be taken to safeguard security across the kingdom.
He also urged members of the public to ignore any person, group, or organisation falsely laying claim to land ownership in the affected communities.
