The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with community
leaders, victims, and other stakeholders, has declared a firm stance against
land grabbing, vowing to put an end to the menace in the state.
During a recent survey conducted by Dip Connect News in
Ibadan, respondents expressed unanimous support for the government’s efforts to
curb the illegal activities of land grabbers, locally known as Omo Onile.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Press Secretary to
Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, highlighted that the government
had set up the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force in January to combat the problem.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ending unlawful land
encroachments once and for all.
Dr. Olanrewaju urged individuals whose properties have been
forcefully taken to report their cases to the task force at the Ministry of
Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, assuring them of swift intervention.
“The Oyo State Government is fully committed to stopping
these unlawful activities by utilizing all necessary resources and enforcing
relevant laws. People have the right to their lands, and no one should seize
them forcefully. Under our anti-land grabbing law, such acts are now criminal
offenses,” he stated.
He further warned perpetrators that forceful occupation of
land is no longer tolerated, emphasizing that offenders will face severe legal
consequences.
Stakeholders also voiced their concerns, calling on the
government to strengthen the task force’s operations to deter those engaging in
land grabbing.
Chief Alaba Alayande, a community leader in Aba Alamu, Ido
Local Government Area, described land grabbing as a practice with devastating
consequences, including displacement, economic hardship, and social unrest.
Similarly, Mr. Tajudeen Ayinla, a leader in Ologiri Village,
Ido LGA, highlighted the emotional and financial toll on affected individuals,
stating that loss of land can lead to poverty, food insecurity, and reduced
income opportunities.
The Baale of Ogidiland, Ona-Ara LGA, Alhaji Mohammed
Abdul-Azeez, noted that land grabbing disproportionately affects marginalized
groups, including small-scale farmers and women, further widening social
inequalities.
With the government’s firm resolve and growing public
awareness, stakeholders remain hopeful that Oyo State’s intensified efforts
will bring lasting relief to communities affected by land grabbing.
