Alaafin warns of 15-year imprisonment for those caught taking land by force as violent clashes escalate

Oba Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in land grabbing, particularly those using violence, threats, or coercion to extort fees from legitimate property owners, urging them to cease their activities or face severe repercussions.

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The monarch's warning comes in response to a wave of violent attacks carried out by land grabbers against residents of 12 villages in the Oyo West Local Government Area, including Itosi Yaya, Tella Omooba, Jowe, Idi-Iyalode, Bada, Ladindin, Janna, Ojutaye, Iporin Kajola, Ajibade, Laagbe, and Ariwinyo.

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The disputed land spans a wide area stretching from Odo-Itosi to Odo-Ogun, and the Oyo metropolis is endowed with an extensive landmass, with land remaining a critical factor for economic growth, according to the paramount ruler.

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In a statement issued on Friday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade noted that land speculators and lawless individuals have resorted to various unlawful tactics to dispossess rightful owners of their properties over time.

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The monarch reminded perpetrators that the Oyo State Government has enacted the Real Properties Protection Law 2016, which is being enforced through a dedicated Task Force Unit, and that land grabbers can now be jailed for up to 15 years, while those who aid and abet them will also face consequences.

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Land, being fundamental to shelter, commerce, and investment, has increasingly become one of the most contested assets within the Oyo metropolis, with rising demand fuelling a surge in land grabbing, illegal transactions, and violent encroachments, according to the statement.

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These activities have deprived individuals of their rightful properties, eroded investor confidence, and threatened peace across communities for years, prompting the Alaafin to establish a Land Committee to restore order and legality to land administration in the kingdom.

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The Committee, comprising seasoned professionals and respected elders, was inaugurated to tackle a long-standing issue that has persisted for decades, and its creation was prompted by widespread complaints from residents who have endured intimidation, unlawful land acquisitions, and exploitation by unscrupulous speculators.

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The Committee's mandate is to ensure that land ownership and transactions within the metropolis are governed strictly by law rather than force, and its responsibilities include investigating cases of land fraud, encroachment, and unauthorised sales.

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Oba Owoade 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.

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