Oyebanji signs anti-land grabbing law, two others

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, on Thursday, signed into law Ekiti  State Property Protection (Anti land grabbing, second amendment law,  2024).

Other bills signed were the High Court Law (First Amendment, 2014) and Ekiti  State Legislative House (Powers and Privileges) Law, 2024.

Speaking at the event held at the Governor’s Office, Oyebanji said the newly signed anti-land grabbing law was based on the need to regulate and sanitize land acquisition processes in the state.

Oyebanji said the law when fully operational will prohibit forceful entry, illegal occupation of landed properties, and fraudulent and violent conduct about landed properties in the state.

“For the laws that we are signing today, I am particularly excited about the anti-land grabbing law. This has been an issue in this state, it has stunted growth, it has stunted development, but now that we have a regulatory framework that gives us the legal power, I can assure you that we will implement that law to the letter, no matter who is involved,” he said.

The governor said the three laws would positively impact the development of the state.

Oyebanji lauded members of the state House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye, for supporting his government.

“Without your support, there is no way we would have been able to do anything because you provided a legal framework that enables us to implement most of those decisions that have translated into the outcomes we are all proud of today.

“I am also grateful to you for your understanding in ensuring we put people first by slicing the cake in a way and manner that everybody will have a piece of that cake.

“Going forward, the next two years will be characterised by many achievements that will surpass the first two years as it is said that the reward for hard work is more work.

“We enjoy goodwill with our people in Ekiti State, people seem to like what we are doing, but there is a danger in that, the danger is, that we must not rest on our oars because we must avoid a reversal of the gains we have had in the last two years,” the governor said.

Earlier, Aribasoye said the event signposted the journey to further advance the dividends of democracy to the people.

He added that members of the assembly were always working in tandem with the executive, which had helped deepen development in the state.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye; Deputy  Speaker, Bolaji Olagbaju; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat  Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; members of the state  House of Assembly and members of the state executive council.