Oyo State Government has taken a bold step to reclaim its acquired lands, demolishing illegal structures in the Podo area, along Top One Garden in Oluyole Local Government, and at Dizengoff, Kolapo Ishola area, within the Ibadan metropolis.
The state Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, led the demolition exercise, warning land grabbers to desist from encroaching on government property.
Akin-Funmilayo emphasized that the lands in question are assets of the state government, and any form of encroachment or illegal occupation will not be tolerated. He cited Section 3, Subsection 1 of the Oyo State Real Property Protection Law, 2017, which prescribes a jail term of up to 15 years for anyone found guilty of land grabbing or related offences.
The government had previously issued revocation notices to the occupants of the Podo area, followed by a newspaper publication in a national daily on September 25, 2012. Despite these measures, some occupants challenged the acquisition in court but lost the case, with the judgment delivered in favor of the state government.
The commissioner assured that the government is open to compensating landowners with valid Certificates of Occupancy. He reiterated Governor Seyi Makinde’s stance against land grabbing, stating that the governor has declared zero tolerance for land grabbing and is committed to ensuring that the state’s assets are used for the benefit of all citizens.
This demolition exercise is not an isolated incident; the Oyo State Government has been actively reclaiming its acquired lands. Previously, the government demolished buildings used by illegal oil marketers along the Ibadan-Lagos expressway.
The government has also commenced demolition of structures at the ongoing 110-kilometer circular road corridor.
The Oyo State Government’s efforts to reclaim its acquired lands and prevent land grabbing are commendable. This move is expected to promote transparency and accountability in land administration, ultimately benefiting the citizens of Oyo State.