…Couple Applaud Gov. Aiyedatiwa, Agency for Swift Intervention
The Ondo State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force has recovered the sum of #4.1 million allegedly paid by a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Coats, popularly known on social media as Anu and Pablo, in a disputed land transaction in Ugbo Oluwa, Ipogun, Ifedore Local Government Area of the State.
The couple, who had earlier raised the alarm over the transaction on social media, have confirmed receipt of the recovered funds following the intervention of the Task Force.
The development brings a positive resolution to a matter which began with the couple’s complaint over the alleged failure to refund money paid for 10 acres of land which, according to documents they submitted, was subsequently found to fall within a gazetted government Forestry Reserve.
The couple had earlier visited the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice after their social media posts attracted attention, where they formally presented their petition, affidavit, survey documents, payment receipts and other materials relating to the disputed transaction. Following the submission, the Attorney-General directed the immediate investigation of the complaint and referred the matter to the Task Force office at Oke-Eda, Akure, for proper documentation and necessary action.
The couple had alleged that they paid #4.1 million in connection with the purchase of 10 acres of land at an agreed price of #550,000 per acre, but subsequently discovered through an independent survey that the portion fell within a gazetted government Forestry Reserve. They subsequently demanded a refund and alleged that their efforts to recover the money were unsuccessful before taking their complaint to social media.
Expressing appreciation to the Ondo State Government and Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the initiative, the couple said their experience at the Task Force office had demonstrated that the State is committed to protecting citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law.
They commended the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Chairman of the Task Force, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, as well as the officials at the Task Force office for what they described as professionalism, respect and responsiveness in handling their complaint.
“We thank Governor Aiyedatiwa for the legal framework and institutional mechanism put in place to tackle land grabbing and protect residents and legitimate investors. We were attended to with respect and given the necessary attention. They listened to us, looked into the matter and acted swiftly, and today, we have received our money.” The couple said.
The couple, who said their family chose Ondo State because of its culture and promise, described the intervention as evidence that the State has established an institution citizens can approach when confronted with land-grabbing and related property disputes. They also expressed confidence that the development reaffirmed the principle that integrity, lawful conduct and hard work remain valued in the State.
Reacting to the recovery, the Attorney-General said the development demonstrates the commitment of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration to protecting residents and legitimate investors and ensuring that complaints involving land grabbing receive appropriate attention. He said the establishment of the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the protection of property rights and restore confidence in Ondo State’s land administration system.
According to him, the successful recovery also underscores the importance of approaching the appropriate government institutions whenever residents encounter suspected cases of land grabbing, fraudulent land transactions or other unlawful dealings involving property. He reiterated that the government will not allow the activities of individuals to undermine the State’s reputation as a safe and investment-friendly destination, stressing that anyone found culpable after due investigation will face the appropriate legal consequences.
The Task Force also urged the couple to ensure that the positive outcome of their case is communicated to the public, just as their earlier complaints had been made public. The agency stressed that prompt attention to petitions is not reserved for particular individuals or dependent on public outcry on social media, noting that the couple had witnessed other complainants being attended to while they were at the office, including those who had not taken their grievances to social media. It therefore encouraged members of the public to provide a balanced account of their experiences by also acknowledging the action taken by the Task Force when their complaints are resolved.