Land grabbing: Alaafin talks tough, warns against invasion of Oyo communities
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has warned individuals engaged in land grabbing to desist or face severe consequences, following a wave of violent attacks on residents in Oyo
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola 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 amid 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 released by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch emphasised that Oyo metropolis is endowed with expansive land resources, noting that land remains a critical driver of economic growth.
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He, however, lamented 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.
Oba Owoade further 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.
He said, "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.
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"For years, these activities not only robbed individuals of their properties but also undermined investor confidence and threatened peace in communities."
The Nation reports that, the Alaafin, on ascending the throne decided enough was enough and set up the Land Committee to restore sanity to the system.
The Committee's, comprising of professionals and repubtable elders was inaugurated to address the problem that had festered for decades.
He said 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 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 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 who parade themselves as rightful owners of the land mass in the communities.
