The Chairman of the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law Agency Task Force Unit, Justice Olajumoke Aiki (retd.), has clarified that the agency does not adjudicate on land disputes but is mandated to conduct thorough investigations into land and property-related offences.
Justice Aiki made the clarification while appearing on a television programme in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
She explained that the agency’s core responsibility, under the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law 2016, is to investigate land-related criminal allegations and take appropriate actions based on the outcomes of such investigations.
“This agency does not rule on land matters as it is not a court of law or mediation centre. People have lots of misconceptions about our work here,” Aiki said.
“Our task is to carry out thorough and comprehensive investigations into land and other property-related disputes. The Real Properties Protection Law 2016 clearly defines our role in these matters.”
According to her, the task force operates in collaboration with security and government institutions, including the Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Surveyor-General, the Ministry of Lands, the Bureau of Physical Planning, and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
She said the collaboration ensures justice and fairness in the handling of land issues, given the sensitive nature of property disputes.
“This collaborative approach with security agencies to carry out thorough investigations is part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision to rid Oyo State of land grabbing,” she added.
Aiki further stated that legal officers from the Ministry of Justice are involved in the agency’s work to ensure due process, prepare legal advice, and prosecute offenders under the enabling law.
She listed common offences under the Real Properties Protection Law to include forceful entry into land, fraudulent sales or purchases of property, illegal destruction of structures, and threats or violence against rightful owners. She therefore urged the public to verify property documents before purchasing land.
On public enlightenment, Aiki said the agency has been conducting awareness campaigns through radio, television, and print media to educate residents on land-grabbing issues.
“Someone from Osun State once called to say he heard our jingle from Ibadan. This shows our message is reaching beyond Oyo State,” she noted.
She also revealed that the agency’s petition forms are free, including submission and legal representation when criminal cases proceed to court, in line with the governor’s directive.
“Our form collection and submission are free. We are even developing a web portal where people can obtain, fill, and submit forms online, while physical interaction will be arranged only when necessary,” she said.
Highlighting the agency’s achievements since it began full operations in 2023, Justice Aiki disclosed that over 3,500 petition forms have been collected, with more than 2,500 returned and nearly 1,000 petitions concluded within two years.
She commended Governor Makinde for his support in providing the resources needed for the agency’s smooth operation and the training of its personnel to improve efficiency.
On the committee recently established by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to mediate land disputes, Aiki clarified that there was no conflict between both bodies, as the Olubadan’s committee focuses on mediation while the agency handles criminal aspects of land-related offences.
She concluded by warning individuals and groups involved in land grabbing to desist, reiterating the agency’s commitment to fairness, justice, and due process in addressing land-related offences across the state.
Governor Makinde recently further strengthened the agency’s operations with the provision of new operational vehicles on November 3, 2025.
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