…HAG warns lawyers, surveyors, agents aiding land grabbers, says no one will be spared
The intensified crackdown on land grabbing and related criminal activities in Ondo State recorded another major development on Wednesday as the Magistrate Court sitting in Oke-Eda, Akure, arraigned an alleged self-styled traditional ruler, Oba Adewale Boboye, the Ajagunode of Ode Community, Igoba, in Akure North Local Government Area, over alleged illegal activities connected to disputed landed property.
The monarch was arraigned on allegations bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, alleged threats issued to one Ajilegan via telephone in respect of land belonging to Olrof Company Limited at Igoba, Akure, forceful takeover of landed property belonging to the company, and the alleged use of thugs to dispossess the rightful owners of the property.
The prosecution alleged that the actions of the defendant were capable of causing breach of public peace, undermining lawful ownership of property, and creating insecurity around land transactions within the State.
The case, which attracted significant public attention, is the latest in the series of ongoing prosecutions being pursued by the Ondo State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force as part of the government’s renewed offensive against fraudulent land dealings, forceful takeovers, intimidation of landowners, and acts capable of discouraging investment in the state.
Upon hearing the matter, the court granted the defendant bail in the sum of Two Million Naira (#2,000,000.00), with two sureties. The court further directed that one of the sureties must be a recognised chief or traditional ruler within the Akure Magisterial Jurisdiction who must possess landed property subject to verification by the court. The defendant is also required to provide affidavit evidence and relevant documents backing the titles presented by the sureties.
Pending the perfection of the bail conditions, the monarch was remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre.
Reacting to the development, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as Chairman of the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo SAN, OON reiterated that the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains fully committed to eradicating land grabbing and all forms of criminality associated with illegal land transactions in Ondo State.
Dr. Ajulo warned that government would not only prosecute land grabbers, but would also beam its searchlight on professionals and collaborators aiding the illegal activities.
According to him, lawyers, surveyors, land agents, and other individuals who knowingly assist, facilitate, or connive with land grabbers in perpetrating illegality and criminal acts relating to land transactions in the state would equally face the full weight of the law.
“We are widening the scope of enforcement because land grabbing does not thrive in isolation. There are collaborators and enablers who provide technical, legal, and logistical support to these criminal activities. Let it be clear that no one will be spared.
“The administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is determined to restore sanity, confidence, and lawful order to land administration in Ondo State. The era where individuals use influence, threats, violence, or fraudulent tactics to dispossess innocent citizens of their property is gradually coming to an end.
“We will continue to pursue every legitimate legal means to protect investors, genuine landowners, and ensure that Ondo State remains safe and attractive for development and economic growth,” he said.
The Attorney General also expressed deep appreciation to the judiciary for its continued cooperation, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the administration of justice in land-related matters across the state. He noted that the timely interventions, firm rulings, and strict adherence to the rule of law have significantly strengthened the ongoing efforts to curb land grabbing and restore sanity to land administration in Ondo State.