Governor Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo state) has joined his counterparts in Lagos state and Ogun state in clamping down on the nefarious activities of Land grabbers, popularly known as Omo Oniles or Ajagungbales in Oyo state.

The Bill titled: “A law to protect the rights of property owners and prohibits forceful entry, illegal occupation, violent and fraudulent conducts, in relation to real property in the state and for purposes connected therewith” on Real Property Protection Law, 2016 was signed into law by the Government. Here are the extracts;

…Anybody who forcibly grabs other people’s land in Oyo State – 15 years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000.

…Illegal entry into any construction site “for the purpose of stopping, disturbing or otherwise” demanding for any fee or levy in respect of construction activities – 10 years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000.

…Any professional who facilitates a contractual agreement between a land-owning family and another person – 3 years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 (or both).

…Any person who is on any property as an encroacher and having with him any firearm, dangerous or offensive weapons, commits an offence – 5 years imprisonment.

…Any person who offers any property for sale, knowing that he has no lawful title to the property or authority of the owner, or sells a property knowing that he has no lawful title to the property or that the property had been previously sold by him or his privies, – 5 years imprisonment.

This Bill has been long overdue and is a laudable act in checkmating the activities of Lang grabbers.

Note that the proposed Imprisonments and Fines are subject to successful convictions.