Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has warned that land grabbing is now a criminal offense in the state and punishable under state laws.
The governor disclosed this at a one-day stakeholders engagement organized by the Oyo state mobilization agency on Friday, stating that individuals who forcibly encroach on land or property belonging to others in the state will face the full wrath of the law.
The deputy governor, Adebayo Lawal, who represented the governor at the event, stated that the focus of the administration is not only on infrastructure but also on building and strengthening key institutions and developing policy frameworks to open up the state.
“We are not just focused on infrastructure but also on strengthening institutions. OYMASED is one such institution designed to address socio-economic challenges in Oyo state,” he said.
Governor Makinde emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing the issues plaguing the real estate sector in the state and expressed willingness to collaborate with key stakeholders in ending land grabbing.
“We have also established the anti-land grabbing agency to curb the widespread phenomenon of land grabbing. People have the right to their land, and no one should forcibly occupy it. Such acts are now criminal under the anti-land grabbing law.
“Forceful occupation of land is no longer acceptable. In the past, conquering land was seen as a triumph, but today it is a crime. Anyone attempting this must be prepared to face the consequences.”
