Stakeholders have affirmed that a bill for a law to prohibit forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, violent and fraudulent conducts in relation to landed properties when passed into law would enhance smooth running of land administration, protect land owners , attract investors and engender peace and development in the State.
The stakeholders stated this today, (Tuesday) at a public hearing held at the Ondo State House of Assembly Complex ,Akure on a bill sponsored by a Lawmaker representing Ondo West constituency 1, Honourable Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju.
The self -sponsored bill by Ogunwumiju who is the Parliamentary Secretary of the Assembly has been committed to the house committee on lands and housing after sailing through the second reading some months ago.
Stakeholders observed that land grabbing is becoming rampant in Ondo State, expressing optimism that when the bill is passed into law, it would eradicate forceful invasion and land grabbing.
The public hearing had in attendance, Traditional rulers,State cabinet members, Nigeria Bar Association ,Security operatives, civil society ,Real estate Agents, and the general public to contribute their inputs
While declaring the public hearing open, the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji who emphasized the importance of the bill urged the committee members and stakeholders to do justice to the bill in the overall interest of the people.
The Speaker said Land grabbers have been serious threat to property acquisition for decades which their activities include trespassing or encroaching on properties, forcefully entering or occupying another persons properties, selling property without a valid title,selling the same property to multiple buyers, hence, must be tackled headlong.
According to him, the bill when passed into law, would no doubt maintain sanity in the State as necessary sanctions await any land grabber once he/she is found culpable of committing the offence.
Earlier,the sponsor of the bill , Ogunwumiju explained that the bill seeks to provide laws regulating landed property, such as protection to land owners and buyers, criminalise agents who are not registered, penalise encroachers among others.
Welcoming participants, Ogunwumiju said land grabbing and activities of unregistered agents are a major concern in the state, stressing the need for all stakeholders to work together and address the issues.
He added that the bill when it become a law will address and criminalize such acts, give imprisonment up to 10 years for anybody that does forceful entry or takeover of properties, give up to 21 years for people who sell family land without the knowledge of the family head or the family .
The Majority Leader and Chairman, House Committee on Rules and business, Honourable Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, noted that the bill when passed into law would add value to the society.
Also, the Chairman House Committee on Lands and Housing, Honourable Abiola Oladapo noted that the bill is coming at the right time and that issues surrounding the real estate industry in the state would soon be a thing of the past.
At the hearing were the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Honourable Akinwumi Sowore ,the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo ,SAN, Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matter and Special duties,Dr.Jibayo Adeyeye said the bill would enhance the smooth running of land administration in the state and complement the executive order recently signed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Stakeholders who spoke at the event described the bill as a welcome development, pledging to support its full implementation.
They equally submitted memoranda and advised on portions of the bill they believed need amendment.
