The Ondo State Government has vowed to clamp down on “land grabbers” across the state, issuing a stern warning for perpetrators to desist from illegal activities or face the full wrath of the law.
The Chairman of the State Anti-Land Grabbing Taskforce, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, gave the warning on Saturday during a meeting of the task force in Akure, the state capital.
The renewed warning comes amid rising cases of land grabbing and land ownership disputes in parts of Ondo State, involving communities, families and traditional institutions.
Ajulo, who also serves as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, said 2026 would be a decisive and difficult year for land grabbers operating in the sunshine state.
He warned that anyone found violating the Ondo State Properties Protection and Its Documentation Law, 2024 would be dealt with decisively, stressing that the successes recorded in 2025 were only the beginning.
According to him, enough time had been given for offenders to desist from unlawful acts.
“The grace period expired with 2025. Any land grabber operating in Ondo State should know that this year will be different. Recall that I earlier stated that we have compiled the names of individuals our investigations have confirmed to be deeply involved in land grabbing, turning themselves into veterans of illegality.
“In 2026, we are going all out against them, and the law will be enforced strictly without compromise,” Ajulo said.
The Attorney-General further warned that the task force would no longer tolerate illegal land sales, multiple sales of land by owning families, intimidation of lawful landowners, or any form of forceful land acquisition.
He added that offenders would be arrested, prosecuted, and made to face the full consequences of their actions.
Ajulo also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for addressing long-standing fears associated with land-related fraud through the enactment of the Ondo State Properties Protection and Its Documentation Law, 2024.
He noted that the law criminalises land grabbing and related offences, noting that the governor’s continued support, including the provision of necessary operational resources, had strengthened the effectiveness of the task force.
Last week, residents of several communities in Idanre Local Government Area protested alleged encroachment and sales of their ancestral lands by the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi.
The protesters, comprising mainly farmers and community leaders, accused the monarch of trespassing and selling lands allegedly located outside the traditional jurisdiction of the Akure Kingdom.
They claimed the alleged encroachment had disrupted farming activities, threatened livelihoods and heightened tension and security concerns in the affected communities.
However, Oba Aladelusi denied the allegations, describing them as false, misleading and an attempt at blackmail.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Michael Adeyeye, the monarch insisted that the disputed land is an integral part of Akure Kingdom and not within Idanre territory.
According to him, the matter had already been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court, which clearly outlined the boundaries and lands belonging to Akure Kingdom, including Aponmu and Olokuta.
