The Attorney General of Ondo State, Kayode Ajulo, has announced that the recently signed anti-land grabbing law is designed not only to protect landowners but also to create a secure environment for both local and foreign investors interested in real estate development.
Ajulo praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for enacting the bill, which prohibits forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties in the state. He emphasized that the legislation strengthens the legal framework surrounding land ownership and property rights, thereby reducing illegal land occupation and extortion, and restoring the integrity of land transactions.
The bill, sponsored by Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, the lawmaker representing Ondo West Constituency 1 and Parliamentary Secretary of the State Assembly, was enacted in record time. Ogunwumiju noted that a significant portion of issues reported in his constituency pertained to land disputes, highlighting the urgency of addressing these challenges.
The new 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.
This legislative move is expected to encourage investment by reassuring investors of the safety of their investments and creating opportunities to increase the state’s internally generated revenue within the real estate sector.
