Otunba Charles Alabi seeks speedy passage of Anti-Land Grabbing Bill in Ondo State

….as Real Estate Managers stage peaceful protest to House of Assembly

By Goke Williams

The President of Real Estate Managers of Ondo State Chapter, Otunba Alaba Alabi Charles, has appealed for the expeditious passage of the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill in Ondo State. Otunba Alabi, along with other members of the Real Estate Managers from all the 18 local government areas of the state, engaged in a peaceful demonstration to the Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday 3rd September 2024. They carried placards bearing various inscriptions such as: ‘The Anti-Land Grabbers Bill will emancipate landowners in Ondo State’, and among others.

The state president emphasised the crucial nature of prompt enactment of the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill, as the persistent and evil activities of land grabbers in the state pose significant threats to lives and societal harmony. He expressed confidence in the assembly, stating: “The bill has already been committed to the committee stage as we are confident that the lawmakers will do the needful in ensuring that the bill is passed as soon as possible.”

Regarding the eradication of unscrupulous practices in the profession, he remarked: “As a union, we are diligently addressing this issue, and with the passage and endorsement of this bill by the state governor, quackery within the profession will be effectively addressed. We have initiated an operation license in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Commerce to combat the infiltration of unqualified individuals trying to undermine the profession.”

He conveyed his gratitude to the Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his unwavering support of the bill and his remarkable achievements across all government sectors. He urged the citizens to rally behind the governor’s administration and the Ondo State House of Assembly. Otunba Alabi Charles also extended his sincere appreciation to the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Oladiji Olamide, and other parliamentarians for their diligent attention to the bill, recognising its broad impact.

In response, the speaker commended them for their peaceful comportment during the rally and acknowledged that nearly every land purchaser had been affected by the issue. He emphasised that the governor was prepared to endorse the bill into law, following the precedent set by states like Lagos and Ogun.

Among the MHA members present were Hon Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Majority Leader, Hon Ololade Gbegudu, House Committee Chairman on Security, Culture, and Community Development, Hon Biola Oladapo, Chairman of the House Committee on Lands & Housing, Hon Taiwo Ogunwumiju, and Hon Tope Ajulu, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Lands & Housing.

The bill, once ratified, will not only prohibit forceful entry and unlawful occupation of real estate properties, violent and deceitful practices within the real estate sector, but also provide a sense of security and peace of mind to property owners in the state.

(c) Gok Communications