Oyo Traditional Ruler Threatens Up to 15 Years in Jail as Violent Land Grabbing Erupts Across Rural Communities

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has issued a stern warning to land grabbers involved in violent attacks and illegal property seizures, threatening prison sentences of up to 15 years under state law if they do not stop their activities.

In a statement released on Friday, the respected traditional monarch condemned individuals and gangs using force, threats and coercion to dispossess legitimate landowners in the Oyo West Local Government Area, where unrest has been reported across at least 12 communities.

The affected villages — including Itosi Yaya, Tella Omooba, Jowe, Idi-Iyalode, Bada, Ladindin, Janna, Ojutaye, Iporin Kajola, Ajibade, Laagbe and Ariwinyo — have experienced violent incursions as land disputes escalate over contested territory stretching from Odo-Itosi to Odo-Ogun.

Oba Owoade emphasised that land remains a cornerstone of economic growth, shelter and investment within the Oyo metropolis. He expressed concern that speculative forces and unlawful operators seeking unearned gains have increasingly turned to aggression to seize plots of land from rightful owners.

Citing the Real Properties Protection Law 2016, which the Oyo State Government enforces through a special task force, the traditional ruler made clear that offenders — including accomplices — will face severe legal consequences. “Under the law, land grabbers can now be jailed for up to 15 years,” he said.

To address the long-standing problem, the Alaafin has established a Land Committee of elders and professionals to investigate issues such as fraud, encroachment and unauthorised sales, and to restore legal order to land administration.

The monarch urged residents to reject false claims of ownership by dubious interests and reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace, public safety and the protection of lives and property across the kingdom.