Ondo to prosecute land grabbers and recover government property.

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Ondo State Government has announced that it will prosecute anyone who illegally occupies, sells, or develops government land and buildings throughout the state.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, made the statement while addressing the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti‑Land Grabbing.

Ajulo said that several individuals and groups have unlawfully occupied, developed, and sold government land without any legal authority, describing the actions as “illegal and unacceptable.”

He noted that the Land Use Act vests all land in the governor to hold in trust for the people, but weak enforcement in the past has allowed some people to exploit public assets for private gain.

“We have observed with concern that some persons have encroached on government lands and properties, while others have gone as far as selling portions of such lands to unsuspecting members of the public. This is unlawful and will not be tolerated,” he said.

Ajulo added that investigations are ongoing in multiple locations, with verification and recovery exercises set to precede enforcement actions. He warned that anyone found guilty of illegal occupation, allocation, or sale of government property will be prosecuted.

He also urged those currently occupying government land illegally to regularise their status or vacate before enforcement begins.

The Attorney General expressed concern that government properties, already insufficient to meet public needs, are being unlawfully sold or diverted for private use.

“Fortunately, we have been able to halt some of these transactions. Within the scope of our mandate and through the instrumentality of the law, we will ensure that no government property is unlawfully transferred into private hands,” he added.

Meanwhile, three individuals—Chief Lateef Adelusi, Pastor Akintola Alaba, and Surveyor Adebiyi Olanibi—were arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court on alleged land‑related offences, including encroachment and unlawful sale of land.

Ajulo said the Task Force would intensify enforcement actions “without compromise,” adding that the prosecutions are part of wider efforts to recover encroached government properties across the state.

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