Oyo demolishes illegal structures on govt lands

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Oyo State Government has demolished properties on Government-acquired lands in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The lands are in Podo Area, along Top One Garden, Oluyole Local Government, and Dizengoff, Kolapo Ishola Area.

The Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin- Funmilayo, in a statement signed by the commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade disclosed this on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Speaking during the exercise at the affected areas, Akin-Funmilayo said “The lands in question are assets of the Oyo State Government, and we will not tolerate any form of encroachment or illegal occupation.”

The Commissioner emphasized that those currently occupying the land are “purely land grabbers” and not the real owners or users of the land.

He added that, “In accordance with Section 3, Subsection 1 of the Oyo State Real Property Protection Law, 2017, any person who engages in land grabbing or related activities shall be liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 15 years.”

The Commissioner further explained that the Government had sent notices of revocation to occupants of the Podo Area along Top One Garden, and a newspaper publication to that effect was made on September 25th, 2012.

According to him, the land was also gazetted the same year, indicating its acquisition for a Neighbourhood market.

Despite the State Government’s efforts, the occupants took the Oyo State Government to court, but judgement was however delivered in favour of the State Government.

Akin-Funmilayo however noted that the Government is ready to settle with land owners with genuine Certificates of Occupancy (CofO).

“The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has declared zero tolerance for land grabbing activities, and ensuring that the state’s assets are used for the benefit of all citizens.”