Ondo Lawmakers Begin Hearing on Land Disputes

Ondo Lawmakers Begin Hearing on Land Disputes

By Awodeyi Elizabeth

The Ondo State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee on Public Petitions and Fraudulent Activities Related to Land Disputes has commenced an investigation into the 10 petitions received following the passage of the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill by the House in December 2024.

At today’s sitting, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, stated that the committee, set up by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, was established to mediate and investigate the issues and find a lasting solution to this growing menace.

Hon. Gbegudu also noted that the House would work with the executive arm to ensure the law is fully gazetted and enforced.

He added that the State Assembly had received several complaints from residents and assured them that the House was committed to resolving issues arising from land grabbers.

In his remarks, a committee member, Hon. Stephen Abitogun, representing Akure South Constituency 2, stated that the House would not allow anyone to disrupt the existing peace in the state.

Hon. Abitogun emphasised the need for people to abide by the established rules and regulations governing the state, stressing that no one is above the law.

Other committee members highlighted the importance of peaceful coexistence and urged all parties involved to seek redress through lawful and non-violent means.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the hearing, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Gbegudu, stated that the committee had listened to the petitioners and those who submitted the petitions to the House.

“We are still reviewing their documents, interrogating them, and gathering additional data. Very soon, we will reach a resolution.

“So far, we have received about 10 petitions. We have addressed five today, and we will review another five tomorrow. Our initial timeframe is two weeks, but we cannot rule out an extension as some of the cases are particularly complex. We aim to get to the root of these issues. We will also be consulting other parties involved, including the police, the DSS, the palace, and some of the affected communities. Once this process is completed, we will release our report.”

In an interview, one of the petitioners, Mrs Anu Akinfe Omogbeminiyi, expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a fair resolution at the end of the investigation.