The Oyo state government has set up an agency to tackle cases of land grabbing in the state.
Speaking at a stakeholders engagement organised by the Oyo state mobilisation agency on Friday, Seyi Makinde, governor of the state, said land grabbing is now a criminal offence.
He said individuals who forcibly encroach on land or property belonging to others in the state will face the full wrath of the law.
The governor, who was represented by Adebayo Lawal, his deputy, noted that the focus of his administration is beyond infrastructure, but also in strengthening institutions.
“We are not just focused on infrastructure but also on strengthening institutions. OYMASED is one such institution designed to address socio-economic challenges in Oyo state,” he said.
“We have also established the anti-land grabbing agency to curb the widespread phenomenon of land grabbing.
“People have the right to their land, and no one should forcibly occupy it. Such acts are now criminal under the anti-land grabbing law.
“Forceful occupation of land is no longer acceptable. In the past, conquering land was seen as a triumph, but today it is a crime. Anyone attempting this must be prepared to face the consequences.”
