By Ado Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force has intensified its campaign against illegal land dealings, warning that individuals who have repeatedly ignored its invitations will soon face arrest and prosecution.
Chairman of the Task Force and the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), disclosed that several suspects who have consistently failed to honour invitations issued by the agency have been identified and are now being tracked by law enforcement authorities.
Ajulo said the Task Force had consistently adopted a conciliatory approach by inviting parties involved in land disputes, examining relevant documents and seeking peaceful resolutions before considering legal action.
According to him, some individuals have deliberately refused to cooperate with ongoing investigations, frustrating efforts aimed at resolving disputes through lawful means.
He stated that authorities had compiled the names of persons who repeatedly ignored invitations despite being given multiple opportunities to appear before the Task Force.
“The law must take its course. Anyone who believes they can escape accountability by refusing to honour invitations should know that there is nowhere to hide,” he said.
The Attorney-General stressed that the operations of the Task Force are guided by due process and the rule of law, adding that all necessary legal procedures, including the procurement of warrants where required, were being followed.
He maintained that enforcement actions would be carried out strictly within the confines of the law, noting that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remained committed to tackling land grabbing while respecting citizens’ rights.
Ajulo cited the recent arraignment of three defendants before a Magistrate Court in Oke-Eda, Akure, as evidence of the government’s resolve to combat illegal property transactions.
The defendants, identified as Adinlewa Gbenga Alex, Niyi Adinlewa and Sylvanus Monday Ogbonna, were arraigned over allegations bordering on the disputed ownership and alleged resale of two lock-up shops and adjoining property earlier purchased by Mrs Florence Oluwatoyin Adedotun from the late Julius Adinlewa.
According to the Task Force, following the death of the original owner, his sons allegedly disputed the transaction and claimed their father never sold the property, despite documents said to support the sale.
Investigators further alleged that the property was subsequently sold to a third party, creating rival ownership claims and deepening the dispute.
The Task Force also alleged that the third defendant proceeded with the transaction despite being aware of the controversy surrounding the property and the existing ownership claims.
The court subsequently ordered that the three defendants be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.
Ajulo reiterated that individuals currently evading invitations from the Task Force should prepare to face the consequences of their actions.
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He said the agency remained determined to rid the state of illegal land transactions, warning that there would be no refuge for anyone involved in land grabbing or fraudulent property dealings in Ondo State.
