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 or make rulings on land matters but is mandated to conduct thorough investigations into land and property-related disputes.
Aiki made the clarification during a television programme in Ibadan, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
Explaining the agency’s mandate, she said its core function is to investigate criminal allegations involving land and property in line with the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law, 2016.
“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.
“Our task is basically to carry out thorough and comprehensive investigations into land and other related property disputes.
“The Real Properties Protection Law 2016, which established the agency, provides proper clarification on our tasks regarding land and other related properties’ disputes,” she clarified.
Justice Aiki noted that the Task Force collaborates closely with security and government institutions, including the Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the 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.
According to her, such collaboration ensures fairness and justice in handling sensitive land issues.
“This collaborative approach with security agencies to carry out thorough investigations, which is our major responsibility in land-related disputes, is borne out of the dream of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, in ridding the state of land grabbing,” she stressed.
The retired jurist added that legal officers from the Ministry of Justice are part of the process to ensure compliance with the rule of law and the prosecution of offenders when necessary.
“We also have lawyers from the Ministry of Justice who carry out due diligence in compliance with the rule of law and also prepare legal advice based on the investigations in order to determine who will be charged to court for trial or otherwise. Basically, we receive petitions and we carry out thorough investigations on them as required by law,” she said.
Justice Aiki identified violators of the Real Properties Protection Law as individuals involved in forceful land entry, fraudulent land transactions, destruction of property, or issuing violent threats against rightful owners. She urged members of the public to always verify ownership before purchasing land.
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Commending Governor Seyi Makinde for his “unwavering support” of the agency, she revealed that since the agency became fully operational in 2023, it has recorded significant progress.
Highlighting its achievements, Aiki said over 3,500 forms have been collected, more than 2,500 returned, and nearly 1,000 petitions concluded in less than two years.
She further explained that petition forms are free and that the agency is developing a digital platform for easier access.
“Our forms collection and submission are free. We are even working on designing a web portal where people can obtain, fill in, and submit their forms, while physical interaction with petitioners and respondents will only be arranged when and where necessary,” she said.
On public awareness, Aiki said the agency has intensified sensitisation campaigns through radio, television, and print media.
“Someone from Osun State once called me from Osogbo, that he heard the agency’s jingle while listening to a radio station from Ibadan. This cuts across all the geo-political zones of Oyo State,” she recalled.
She also clarified that there is no conflict between the agency’s operations and the committee recently established by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, explaining that both bodies have distinct roles.
According to her, while the Olubadan’s committee focuses on mediation, the agency handles criminal aspects of land-related offences.
“With the help of God and the support of our amiable Governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, we keep surmounting every obstacle. The governor supports and provides us with every operational need to make our work run smoothly.
“We also enjoy the support and cooperation of our security operatives as well as other stakeholders. It has been a good collaboration between us all,” she stated.
Justice Aiki added that the task force operatives are seasoned professionals who undergo regular training to improve their efficiency in managing land-related disputes.
She reiterated the agency’s commitment to fairness, justice, and due process in handling petitions, while warning individuals and groups involved in land grabbing to desist.
It will be recalled that Governor Makinde, on November 3, 2025, provided additional operational vehicles to strengthen the agency’s work.
