The Ondo State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal land transactions, warning that individuals who consistently ignore invitations from the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force will face arrest and prosecution.
Chairman of the Task Force and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, said several suspects who repeatedly shunned invitations issued by the agency have been identified and are being tracked for possible arrest.
Ajulo said the Task Force had, in most cases, adopted a conciliatory approach by inviting disputing parties, reviewing documents and attempting peaceful resolution before resorting to prosecution.
He, however, noted that some individuals had continued to frustrate investigations by refusing to appear before the panel despite multiple invitations.
According to him, the government had compiled the list of such persons, warning that enforcement action would soon be taken against them.
“The law must take its course. Anyone who thinks they can evade accountability by ignoring invitations should know there is nowhere to hide,” he said.
The Attorney-General stressed that all actions taken by the Task Force were in line with due process, adding that necessary legal steps, including obtaining warrants where required, were being followed.
He reaffirmed that the Aiyedatiwa administration remained committed to curbing land grabbing while ensuring respect for the rights of all parties involved in disputes.
Ajulo also cited the arraignment of three defendants before a Magistrate Court sitting in Oke-Eda, Akure, as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.
The defendants — Adinlewa Gbenga Alex, Niyi Adinlewa and Sylvanus Monday Ogbonna — were arraigned over allegations bordering on the disputed sale and ownership of two lock-up shops and adjoining property.
The property was reportedly purchased by Mrs Florence Oluwatoyin Adedotun from the late Julius Adinlewa, but after his death, his sons allegedly contested the transaction, insisting their father never sold the asset despite available documentation.
Investigators further alleged that the property was later resold to another buyer, resulting in multiple ownership claims and escalating the dispute.
The Task Force also alleged that one of the defendants proceeded with the transaction despite being aware of the existing conflict over ownership.
The court ordered that the three defendants be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.
Ajulo warned that persons currently evading invitations from the Task Force would soon face the full weight of the law, insisting that the state would not tolerate fraudulent land dealings.
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