Land grabbing remains a persistent issue in Oyo State, particularly in Ibadan. Much like a recurring pattern, it has become a permanent fixture that seems impervious to effective solutions. Those who engage in land grabbing show little regard for the law, resorting instead to forceful occupation.
Recently, some Obas and village heads (Baales) in Ibadan protested against this social menace. The traditional rulers voiced their strong concerns about the ongoing land grabbing activities in the region, alleging that suspected criminals are exploiting the state government’s authority to carry out their actions.
The kings accused these land grabbers of using Oyo State Government vehicles to evict villagers from their farms, family lands, and properties.
In several communities within the Ona Ara Local Government Area, there is currently a fragile peace as land grabbers continue to threaten villages, using law enforcement to intimidate landowners and selling the seized land to estate developers.
On Wednesday, a number of families—about 40 in total—from various communities staged a protest against the land grabbing incidents in the council area.
Oyo State Law Against Land Grabbing
Faced with the escalating illegal activities, the Oyo State government enacted the “Real Properties Protection Law, 2016,” which prohibits land grabbing. The law imposes penalties of up to 15 years in prison or fines of N500,000 for individuals who use or threaten violence to seize real property unlawfully.
At one point, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Bayo Lawal, declared that land grabbing would no longer be tolerated, with offenders facing significant legal repercussions.
Lawal expressed concern over the daily disturbances faced by landowners due to the unchecked actions of land grabbers. He emphasized the urgent need to combat this issue effectively, noting that the Real Properties Protection Law had been established to address it. However, its implementation has been hindered by the absence of a task force unit that would operationalize the law.
Oyo State Inaugurates Task Force
To proactively combat land grabbing, the Oyo State government has formed a task force aimed at reinforcing efforts against the illegal activities. The Deputy Governor stated, “The establishment of this Task Force highlights our administration’s commitment to economic growth and law enforcement, aligned with our four cardinal objectives.”
Under the new law, land grabbers could face imprisonment for up to 15 years, and those who assist them will not escape punishment.
The task force is to be led by Justice O.I. Aiki, a retired judge of the Oyo State High Court, and will include members from both public and private sectors involved in land management and security services.
Increase in Land Grabbing Incidents
Despite the introduction of relevant legislation and the formation of a task force, land grabbing activities have surged dramatically.
Oba Nureni Adegbenro, the Alajia of Ajia, spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers and assured land grabbing victims that their plight would soon come to an end. He emphasized that the traditional rulers in the local government do not engage in land grabbing and do not authorize anyone to do so on their behalf.
Oba Adegbenro stated, “The Adegbenros and the Akintolas are the rightful owners of Ajia, established in 1886. The land grabbers currently disturbing our communities do not represent the original landowners. They are causing deliberate suffering to our people.”
Victims Share Their Stories
Several victims of land grabbing recounted their harrowing experiences, including the tragic death of a young village head at the hands of land grabbers. Asimiyu Onaolapo from Gbeleyi village revealed that approximately 850 acres of land have been seized from at least 21 families in his community.
According to Onaolapo, the land grabbers claim that their ancestors ceded the land to the Gbeleyi villagers nearly 180 years ago and now seek to reclaim it. He reported that they have been harassed by the police and their farmlands have been destroyed by caterpillars, while the developers who purchased the seized land are pursuing the villagers aggressively.
In a recent appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde, the human rights organization Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI) urged intervention on behalf of the residents of Oloka village in Oriire LGA, who are facing land grabbing threats.
SPANCI President Yemi Bello, in a letter addressed to both the governor and the Oyo State Real Property Protection Task Force chairman, requested immediate action to safeguard the villagers from the encroaching land grabbers.