By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Chairman of the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law Agency Task Force Unit, Justice Olajumoke Aiki (rtd), has clarified the mandate and operational scope of the agency in its ongoing efforts to curb land grabbing across the state.
Speaking during a television programme in Ibadan, Justice Aiki said there are widespread misconceptions about the agency’s role, stressing that the body is primarily empowered to conduct investigations into land-related criminal allegations rather than adjudicating ownership disputes.
“This agency does not rule on land matters as it is not a court of law or a mediation centre,” she said. “Our work is to carry out thorough investigations on real property disputes and take action strictly in line with the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law of 2016.”
Justice Aiki explained that the Task Force Unit works collaboratively with security and regulatory bodies including the Police, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, Ministry of Justice, Office of the Surveyor-General, Ministry of Lands, Bureau of Physical Planning, and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. The synergy, according to her, strengthens due process in investigations and enforcement.
She emphasized that legal officers from the Ministry of Justice are embedded in the agency to provide legal advisory services and prosecute offenders where necessary.
Potential violators of the Real Properties Protection Law, she noted, include individuals involved in forceful land entry, fraudulent land sales or purchases, violent threats to lawful owners, and willful destruction of property. She urged members of the public to verify land ownership thoroughly before making purchases.
Providing an update on the agency’s performance, Justice Aiki disclosed that since full operations commenced in 2023, over 3,500 petition forms have been issued, with more than 2,500 returned and nearly 1,000 cases concluded.
She commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for what she described as continuous and practical support to the agency, including the recent provision of operational vehicles released on November 3, 2025.
On public enlightenment, she noted that the agency continues to sustain awareness campaigns across radio, television, and print platforms to educate residents on land-related offences. She also announced that plans are underway to launch a web-based portal to make petition submissions easier and fully free of charge, in line with state policy.
Justice Aiki further clarified that the recently inaugurated committee of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, aims at mediation, while the state agency focuses on criminal enforcement—stressing that both roles are complementary, not conflicting.
She warned those engaged in land grabbing to desist, reiterating the agency’s commitment to fairness, justice, and enforcement of the law across Oyo State.
The statement was issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Wednesday, November 6, 2025.
