Government is our landlord, and we pay monthly, The same government is trying to render 156 families homeless.
A state administration led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has initiated the demolition of 156 houses that are occupied by civil officials, which has caused panic and rage to break out in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.
The action taken by the governor has given rise to concerns over purported land grabs and widespread evictions.
The state government has handed out letters of eviction to the residents of 156 government-built residences that are located in Phases 1, 2, and 3 of famous civil service quarters in Alagbaka.
A significant number of Ondo civil personnel have been residing in the structures for more than a decade. The quarters were initially built during the administration of the late Governor Adekunle Ajasin with the intention of providing cheap housing for those individuals.
One of the occupants told journalists that “We have Phase 1, 2, 3 with 156 homes, excluding government offices at the quarters. It was built by Papa Adekunle Ajasin.
“His aim was to solve the issue of lack of accommodation for civil servants. The houses are being occupied by state workers. Some people have been here as long as 15 years. Government is our landlord, and we pay monthly, depending on the size of the flat.
“But now, the same government is trying to demolish all these houses. They want to render 156 families homeless. These are people that are using their sweat to serve the government.
“All the quarters have been marked for demolition, and the occupants are about to be ejected. We have been issued a letter to that effect.”
Another source said, “The SSA to the governor on infrastructure is the one spearheading this. You know the deal is for them to demolish these buildings and then sell the land to themselves.
“Alagbaka is a hot place, the center of attraction in Akure. Lands are very expensive there. All the areas have been acquired by the high and mighty, so the remaining places were the quarters. Now they want to force us out to convert it to luxury property.”