Former deputy Labour leader, Akinlaja has condemned the growing menace of land grabbing in Ondo State, saying findings show the activities are often driven by powerful individuals and organised gangs commonly referred to as ‘Omo Onile’
Hon. (Comrade) Joseph Iranola Akinlaja, former member of the House of Representatives and former deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, has condemned the rising menace of land grabbing, describing it as an illegal and criminal act that threatens property rights, social stability and economic growth.
Akinlaja, who was in May 2025 appointed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as a member of the Ondo State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing, commended the Ondo State Government for what he described as decisive and courageous steps to curb the menace, irrespective of whose interests are affected.
Speaking with journalists at his residence in Ondo on Monday, the labour leader described land grabbing as “an illegal acquisition of land through force, intimidation, or manipulation,” stressing that it is a heinous crime that must be condemned in its entirety.
Reiterating the position of Governor Aiyedatiwa on the issue, Akinlaja said: “Land is more than just property. It is our heritage, a birthright, and the foundation of community identity. We will not stand by and allow criminal elements rob our people of what rightfully belongs to them.”
He highlighted the grave consequences of land grabbing, including destruction of property, violent conflicts and loss of lives, while emphasising the need for a collaborative approach involving government institutions, security agencies and the judiciary.
According to him, “To effectively tackle the menace of land grabbing, concerted efforts from the government, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary are required. Stronger institutional reforms, improved land registration systems, public awareness, and stringent enforcement of land ownership laws are essential to safeguarding property rights and promoting economic growth in our country.”
Akinlaja added that, “only through a comprehensive and collaborative approach can the devastating effects of land grabbing be mitigated, restoring peace, stability, and confidence in the land ownership system across board.”
He further explained that land grabbing is largely driven by rapid urbanisation, rising land values and weak enforcement of land ownership laws, warning that the trend poses serious social and economic dangers.
“Land grabbing is driven by rapid urbanisation, increasing land values, and weak enforcement of land ownership laws. This menace has far-reaching social and economic consequences, affecting property development, security, and public confidence in the legal system,” he said.
Commending the Ondo State Government, Akinlaja noted: “Unlike other states the leadership of Ondo State is leaving no stone unturned in stemming the tide and they must be commended for standing firm for justice, decency, peace and decorum.”
He also shed light on the operations of land grabbing syndicates, saying: “From my independent and patriotic research, I have discovered that land grabbing syndicates often involve powerful individuals and gangs known as ‘Omo Onile,’ target legally owned land. These gangs employ tactics of harassment, violent eviction, and even fraudulent land sales to dispossess rightful landowners.”
According to him, high demand for land in urban centres and fast-growing communities has intensified disputes and violent confrontations, particularly in densely populated areas and locations with industrial estates.
“Such juicy areas have become a prime target for these illegal activities. Land grabbers over there take the opportunity and liberty of exploiting legal and administrative loopholes to seize properties, undermining the economic growth of these areas. This is totally unacceptable,” he stated.
Akinlaja praised states that have enacted laws to criminalise land grabbing, noting that Ondo State is taking the lead.
“Recognising the severity of this issue, some states took legislative steps to curb land grabbing and impressively Ondo State is taking a lead in this. States that have taken bold steps by introducing Property Protection Law to criminalise the illegal occupation of land and to protect landowners from forcible eviction deserve to be commended and celebrated,” he said.
However, he cautioned that legislation alone is not enough, citing corruption, slow judicial processes and the influence of land-grabbing cartels as major obstacles to enforcement.
“It must also go beyond mere legislation… Judicial processes are often slow, and victims are left frustrated as they struggle to reclaim their land. This disappointing and frustrating situation also needs to be obliterated,” he added.
He specifically praised the Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, for what he described as hands-on leadership.
“In Ondo State, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo is hands-on and doing brilliantly well. He is consistently blocking every loophole, making it grossly uncomfortable for land grabbers to survive in our state through the legitimate and unbiased use of instruments of the law,” Akinlaja said.
He expressed confidence that the establishment of the Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing would significantly reduce disputes and curb illegal activities across the state.
“In addition, I am confident that the creation of the Task Force will help to resolve numerous disputes, and the scale of the problems would be reduced drastically in Ondo State,” he concluded.
