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The Attorney General of Ondo State, Kayode Ajulo, has said the signing of the bill to prohibit forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties in the state into law is not just about protecting landowners but a major step toward creating a secure environment for investors, both local and foreign, who seek to engage in real estate development.
He also applauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for signing the bill to prohibit forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties in the state into law.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
The bill, sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ondo West Constituency 1 who is also the Parliamentary Secretary of the State Assembly, was reported to be the first to be enacted in record time in the state’s history.
Ajulo stated that the legislation reflects the dedication and commitment of its sponsor to addressing critical land issues facing Ondo communities.
The attorney general also emphasised the importance of the new law in strengthening the legal framework surrounding land ownership and property rights in the state.
This is as he praised the Ondo House of Assembly and the sponsor of the bill, Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju for its swift passage.
He said, “The signing of Ogunwumiju’s anti-land grabbing bill into law marks a historic milestone. As the Attorney General of Ondo State, I am immensely proud of this achievement, as it sets a precedent for tackling land disputes and illegal occupation in our state.
“This legislation is not just about protecting landowners. But it is a major step toward creating a secure environment for investors, both local and foreign, who seek to engage in real estate development.
“Ogunwumiju’s foresight in prioritizing land disputes as one of the main concerns in his constituency has paved the way for this transformative law. With this bill, illegal land occupation and extortion will be reduced, and the integrity of land transactions will be restored.”
Speaking on the legislation, Ogunwumiju harped on the urgent need to start addressing land disputes that have plagued Ondo in recent times.
The lawmaker also affirmed that the new law comes with enormous economic benefits.
He said, “This private member bill will encourage investors and potential investors by reassuring them of the safety of their investments. Another result of the bill is the creation of the state’s internally generated revenue opportunities within the real estate sector.
“After three months in office, I observed that 85 per cent of the issues reported to my constituency office revolved around land disputes. Further investigations revealed that over 80 per cent of cases in our courts are also related to land matters.
“This bill, now signed into law addresses these challenges, deterring criminals and sanitizing land transactions across Ondo State.”
The anti-land grabbing law mandates that all land sale agreements be processed through certified legal professionals and carry a stamp from the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, ensuring legitimacy and minimizing disputes.
It also introduces tougher penalties for land grabbers, safeguarding property rights and fostering a more transparent and accountable real estate market.
