The Attorney General of Ondo State, Kayode Ajulo, has hailed the signing of a landmark bill prohibiting forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, describing it as a transformative step toward securing property rights and creating a safe environment for investors.
Ajulo commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for assenting to the bill, which aims to curb land disputes, protect landowners, and attract both local and foreign real estate investment into the state. Speaking in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Ajulo emphasized that the legislation bolsters the legal framework surrounding property rights in Ondo and sets a precedent for tackling land-related challenges.
“The signing of the anti-land grabbing bill into law marks a historic milestone. It is not just about protecting landowners but also about creating a secure environment for investors,” Ajulo said.
The bill, sponsored by Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, the lawmaker representing Ondo West Constituency 1 and Parliamentary Secretary of the State Assembly, was fast-tracked and became the first to be enacted in record time in Ondo’s legislative history. Ajulo lauded the Ondo State House of Assembly and Ogunwumiju for their commitment to resolving the land disputes that have long plagued communities in the state.
Ogunwumiju noted that land disputes account for over 80% of cases in Ondo courts and 85% of the issues brought to his constituency office. He explained that the new law aims to deter illegal land occupation, restore the integrity of land transactions, and provide an enabling environment for investors.
“This bill will reassure investors of the safety of their investments while generating internal revenue opportunities for the state within the real estate sector,” Ogunwumiju stated.
The new legislation mandates that all land sale agreements be handled by certified legal professionals and bear a stamp from the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, ensuring legitimacy and minimizing conflicts. It also introduces stricter penalties for land grabbers, fostering transparency and accountability in property transactions.
The anti-land grabbing law is expected to have significant economic benefits, boosting investor confidence and enhancing Ondo State’s real estate market.
