Land is arguably the most critical natural resource, influencing virtually every aspect of human life—food, clothing, and shelter. It serves as the foundation for agricultural productivity and provides raw materials for industry. Indeed, no nation—urban or rural—can function or thrive without land.
A central theme of land reforms across the world is the modification or replacement of outdated institutional frameworks governing land ownership, usage, and title. This is done to ensure more effective, equitable, and efficient utilization of land. In this spirit, on Monday, December 30, 2024, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa signed into law a bill that marks a significant milestone in the administration of land matters in Ondo State.
Subsequently, on May 28, 2025, the Governor inaugurated a task force comprised of distinguished individuals, including the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo SAN, as Chairman; the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi; the Commander of Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye; Dr. Tunji Abayomi; and Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN, among others, to drive the implementation of this landmark reform.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Dr. Kayode Ajulo SAN, the Ondo State House of Assembly—particularly Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, representing Ondo West Constituency I—and other stakeholders deserve commendation for initiating this proactive legal regime, officially known as the “Anti-Land Grabbing Law.” Their efforts aim to eliminate the barriers and challenges surrounding land ownership and transactions in the state.
Undoubtedly, the enforcement of this law signals the arrival of a new sheriff in town. The law prescribes stiff penalties and clear-cut sanctions against land-grabbers, illegal occupants, and dubious heirs who aim to defraud unsuspecting property buyers.
Importantly, the law also addresses the notorious behaviour of Omo-Onile—heirs of landowners who impose illegal and multiple levies on land buyers. This new legal framework curbs their excesses and restores sanity to property transactions.
Notably, the law aligns with Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which provides that:
“Subject as otherwise provided by this Constitution, a person shall not be convicted of a criminal offence unless that offence is defined and the penalty thereof is prescribed in a written law…”
This means that the new law precisely defines offences and prescribes penalties, thereby enabling easier arrests, prosecutions, and enforcement of sanctions that serve as deterrents.
