The Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, has issued a stern warning that traditional rulers found complicit in land grabbing activities will face imprisonment.
Speaking about the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill currently before the state House of Assembly, Ajulo highlighted the involvement of some traditional rulers in land disputes, emphasizing the government’s readiness to take decisive action.
“Government will not shy away from stepping on toes. I must confess, I like to speak my mind, that some of our traditional rulers have caused a lot of problems when it comes to issue of land grabbing,” Ajulo stated.
He further alleged that some traditional leaders, while remaining in their palaces, deploy agents to instigate violence.
“They may be in their palaces, but send people out to cause mayhem. Many a time, we see how they use cutlasses to cut each other’s heads,” he remarked.
Ajulo warned that traditional rulers apprehended for land-related violence would face the full weight of the law.
“Anytime some Kabiyesi are being picked, with due respect, and sent to jail on this issue, nobody should complain. We know what is good and we know what is bad,” he asserted.
The proposed legislation aims to provide a legal framework to address illegal land acquisition and violent acts associated with land disputes.
Ajulo also mentioned that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently signed Executive Order 2024 to combat the issue.
“Last week, the governor signed Executive Order 2024 to tackle the menace in Ondo State. Don’t be surprised, and I’m not a prophet of doom, many may be affected,” he cautioned, adding that concerns about land grabbing have deterred potential investors from considering Ondo State.
Ajulo revealed that the government is also investigating land disputes among neighboring communities.
He hinted at the possibility of state intervention, saying, “Any community where there is crisis on land, government will start taking over such land so that such fights will stop.”
He commended Mr. Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, the sponsor of the bill, for addressing what he described as a significant social issue.
“We know how some lynch those that pick pockets, whereas land grabbing is worse than those that pick pockets,” Ajulo argued, likening the legislation to a revolutionary step by the Assembly.
Ajulo expressed his appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, for fostering collaboration between the legislative and executive arms to advance the state.
