By Adeola Badru

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has warned individuals involved in land grabbing, particularly those who employ violence, threats, or coercion to extort fees from legitimate property owners, urging them to desist or face severe consequences.

The monarch’s warning followed a wave of violent attacks reportedly carried out by land grabbers against residents of 12 villages in the Oyo West Local Government Area.

The affected communities include Itosi Yaya, Tella Omooba, Jowe, Idi-Iyalode, Bada, Ladindin, Janna, Ojutaye, Iporin Kajola, Ajibade, Laagbe, and Ariwinyo.

The disputed land spans a wide area stretching from Odo-Itosi to Odo-Ogun.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the paramount ruler noted that the Oyo metropolis is endowed with an extensive landmass, emphasising that land remains a critical, if not the most critical, factor for economic growth.

He lamented that, over time, land speculators and lawless individuals seeking unearned gains have resorted to various unlawful tactics to dispossess rightful owners of their properties.

Oba Owoade reminded perpetrators that the Real Properties Protection Law 2016 has been enacted by the Oyo State Government and is currently being enforced through a dedicated Task Force Unit.

He stated: “Under the Law, land grabbers can now be jailed for up to 15 years while those who aid and abet them will also not go scot-free.”

The statement further highlighted that land, being fundamental to shelter, commerce, and investment, has increasingly become one of the most contested assets within the Oyo metropolis.

“Rising demand has, however, fuelled a troubling surge in land grabbing, illegal transactions, and violent encroachments,” the statement said.

“For years, these activities have not only deprived individuals of their rightful properties but have also eroded investor confidence and threatened peace across communities.

“In response to the escalating crisis, the Alaafin, upon ascending the throne, declared that “enough is enough” and established a Land Committee tasked with restoring order and legality to land administration in the kingdom.

“The Committee, comprising seasoned professionals and respected elders, was inaugurated to tackle a long-standing issue that has persisted for decades.

“Its creation was prompted by widespread complaints from residents who have endured intimidation, unlawful land acquisitions, and exploitation by unscrupulous speculators.

“The Committee’s mandate is to ensure that land ownership and transactions within the metropolis are governed strictly by law rather than force.

“Its responsibilities include investigating cases of land fraud, encroachment, and unauthorised sales,“ the statement said.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment, the royal father stressed that peace, order and the protection of lives and property remain top priorities, affirming that no effort would be spared in safeguarding security across the kingdom.

The monarch also advised members of the public to disregard any individual, group, or organisation falsely claiming ownership of land in the affected communities.