The Ondo State House of Assembly has achieved a significant legislative milestone with the passage of the Bill to Prohibit Forceful Entry and Illegal Occupation of Landed Properties in Ondo State.
This landmark legislation, championed by Moyinolorun Taiwo Ogunwumiju, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ondo State House of Assembly and member representing Ondo West Constituency 1, marks a decisive step toward eradicating land grabbing and illegal property transactions in the state.
The bill, passed on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, during the plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Oladiji Olamide (Landmark), represents the Assembly’s proactive response to the rising cases of land disputes and unlawful property dealings. The legislation underwent extensive scrutiny, including committee reviews and public hearings, with key contributions from stakeholders such as representatives of the Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Justice, community leaders, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Internal Revenue Service.
The bill criminalises land grabbing, with offenders facing up to 10 years imprisonment, and prohibits forceful and violent entry into properties without lawful authority, punishable by 10 years imprisonment.
It penalises illegal occupants(encroachers) of property after expiration of due notice with 5 years imprisonment or a fine of ₦5 million, and enforces stricter regulations on real estate transactions, requiring only certified legal professionals to draft valid agreements, with violations attracting 7 years imprisonment.
The bill also criminalises the resale of property (both government and family land) without proper revocation, with offenders facing 21 years imprisonment and introduces penalties for illegal levies (Omo-Onile fees), punishable by 2 years imprisonment.
Finally, the bill establishes a task force to enforce the law, comprising representatives from relevant government ministries and community leaders.
Speaking on the bill, Ogunwumiju emphasized the urgency of addressing land disputes that have plagued Ondo State:
“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 related to land matters. This bill addresses these challenges, deterring criminals and sanitising land transactions across Ondo State.”
Ogunwumiju also stressed the economic benefits of the legislation, stating:
“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.
“Lastly, by mandating all land sale agreements to bear a stamp issued by the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) and requiring all real estate agents to register and conduct transactions using an official code, this law creates a record database for land transactions.”
He expressed profound gratitude to the State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his unflinching support of the bill and the legislature’s efforts to create impactful policies.
The lawmaker also acknowledged the leadership of the Speaker and his colleagues in the 10th Assembly for their dedication and cooperation throughout the process.
“This legislation is a victory for the 10th Assembly and the people of Ondo State. It will not only protect property rights but also foster peace, security, and economic growth across our state,” he stated.
The Ondo State House of Assembly remains steadfast in its commitment to enacting laws that safeguard the rights of its citizens, enhance internal revenue, and promote justice and equity throughout the state.
