The Ondo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, has warned that any traditional rulers found culpable for land grabbing will be sent to jail.

Mr Ajulo, who was reacting to the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill before the state House of the Assembly, said in Akure that some traditional rulers were behind land grabbing.

He said, “Government will not shy away from stepping on toes. I must confess, I like to speak my mind, that some of our traditional rulers have caused a lot of problems when it comes to the issue of land grabbing. They may be in their palaces, but send people out to cause mayhem. Many times, we see how they use cutlasses to cut each other’s heads. Anytime some kabiyesi are being picked, with due respect, and sent to jail on this issue, nobody should complain. We know what is good and we know what is bad. The law is proposed to ensure legislative promulgation in addressing unlawful entry of landed property and violent conduct related to landed property.’’

The commissioner said that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa also recently signed an Executive Order to address land grabbing

According to him, there is need to tackle the menace appropriately.

He stated, “Last week, the governor signed Executive Order 2024 to tackle the menace in Ondo State. Don’t be surprised, and I’m not a prophet of doom, many may be affected. Many investors want to come to Ondo State, but the first thing they ask about is the issue of land. Many lawyers can testify to this.’’

Mr Ajulo also said that the government was also looking into disputes over land by some adjoining communities.

According to him, any community where there is crisis on land, government will start taking over such land so that such fights will stop.

The attorney-general, who applauded the sponsor of the bill, Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, described the menace as worse than pocket-picking derided by members of the public.

He said, “We know how some lynch those that pick pockets, whereas land grabbing is worse than those that pick pockets. It’s a revolution that the state House of Assembly is taking. We promise that we will follow it up as chief law officer of the state.’’

Mr Ajulo appreciated the Speaker of the House of the Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, for collaborating with the state executive in moving the state forward.

(NAN)