The Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law Agency has cautioned residents against resorting to self-help in resolving land disputes, describing forceful attempts to reclaim property as criminal acts punishable under the law.
The agency urged aggrieved landowners to pursue lawful channels, warning that taking matters into their own hands often escalates tension and threatens public peace.
The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday that the agency’s chairman, Olajumoke Aiki, gave the warning in Ibadan while reviewing the agency’s activities over the past two years.
Justice Aiki maintained that no individual or group is above the law in the ongoing crackdown on land grabbing across the state. She explained that the agency’s mandate is to safeguard legitimate property owners, prevent violent land takeovers in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who prosecute offenders without fear or favour.
According to her, the administration of Seyi Makinde has demonstrated strong political will in addressing land grabbing and related offences, noting that cases involving suspected notorious land grabbers are already before the courts.
Justice Aiki also dismissed claims that influential individuals use state machinery to intimidate landowners, stating that such incidents have significantly reduced, with no reported case in the past year. She urged residents to report harassment by hoodlums popularly known as “Omo Onile,” assuring prompt and impartial intervention by the agency.
To enhance efficiency, she revealed plans to recruit additional investigation officers and procure motorcycles to boost rapid response in remote communities. Providing an update on its performance, Aiki said nearly 4,000 complaint forms have been collected since inception, with about 3,000 petitions formally submitted. Of these, around 1,000 were resolved without litigation, while 220 cases are currently being prosecuted at High and Magistrates’ Courts.
So far, one conviction has been secured, 28 cases concluded, and 1,320 petitions remain under investigation. She emphasised that all services rendered by the agency are free of charge, in line with the governor’s directive.r
