— Justice Aiki (rtd) dispels misconceptions, outlines achievements, lauds Governor Makinde’s unwavering support
The Chairman of the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law Agency Task Force Unit, Justice Olajumoke Aiki (rtd), has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to curbing land grabbing and protecting property rights across the state, while clarifying widespread misconceptions about its mandate and operations.
Justice Aiki made the clarification during a television interview in Ibadan, as contained in a press statement signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information.
According to the retired jurist, the agency’s core responsibility is to investigate land-related offences and take necessary legal actions as provided by the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law of 2016.
“The agency is not a court of law or a mediation centre. Our primary task is to conduct thorough investigations into land and property disputes and recommend appropriate actions based on the findings. The 2016 Real Properties Protection Law provides clear guidance on our functions,” Justice Aiki explained.
Justice Aiki emphasized that the Task Force Unit works in close partnership with various security and government institutions to ensure fairness and transparency in its operations. These include the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ministry of Justice, Office of the Surveyor-General, Ministry of Lands, Bureau of Physical Planning and Environmental Development, and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
“This collaborative approach is in line with Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s vision to rid Oyo State of the menace of land grabbing and to uphold justice in land administration,” she noted.
She also disclosed that legal officers from the Ministry of Justice play a crucial role in ensuring due process, preparing legal advice, and prosecuting offenders where necessary.
Justice Aiki revealed that the agency has intensified its public enlightenment campaigns through radio, television, and print media to educate residents about land-related offences.
“Someone from Osogbo once called after hearing our radio jingle from Ibadan. This shows how far-reaching our sensitization campaigns have become across Oyo State,” she recounted.
On the petition process, she reiterated that form collection and submission are entirely free, adding that the agency is developing an online platform to enable residents to file petitions electronically.
“Our services, including legal representation in criminal cases, are free of charge as directed by Governor Makinde. We are also working on a web portal to make petition submission easier and faster,” she disclosed.
Since the agency began full operations in 2023, following its inauguration in 2022, Justice Aiki revealed that over 3,500 forms have been collected, 2,500 petitions returned, and nearly 1,000 cases concluded.
Despite some initial challenges, she praised Governor Makinde for providing all necessary logistics and operational support.
“With God’s help and the unwavering support of our amiable governor, we keep overcoming every obstacle. The governor ensures that we have all we need to function effectively,” she added.
She also highlighted the professionalism of the agency’s task force operatives, noting that they undergo regular training to enhance efficiency in handling land-related disputes.
Justice Aiki addressed concerns about possible overlap between the agency and the committee recently inaugurated by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to mediate land disputes.
She clarified that the Olubadan’s committee focuses on mediation and reconciliation, while the Real Properties Protection Law Agency handles the criminal aspects of land offences under the law.
Justice Aiki cautioned individuals and groups involved in illegal land grabbing, forceful entry, fraudulent sales or purchases of land, destruction of property, and violent threats against rightful owners to desist, warning that such acts attract severe penalties under the law.
She urged the public to conduct due diligence before purchasing any property and to channel their grievances through legal and authorized means.
“We remain committed to ensuring fairness, justice, and due process in all petitions brought before us. No one will be above the law in Oyo State,” she declared.
To further strengthen the agency’s effectiveness, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde recently approved and released a new set of operational vehicles to the Task Force Unit on November 3, 2025, marking another milestone in the administration’s drive to combat land-related crimes and enhance public confidence in land administration.
