The Oyo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE has taken decisive action against land grabbers in the state, with the Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, leading the charge. He announced the demolition of properties on government-acquired lands in Podo Area Along Top One Garden, Oluyole Local Government, and Agric area, Kolapo Ishola, Ibadan.
During a visit to the affected areas, including Podo Along Top One Garden in Oluyole Local Government and Agric area of Kolapo Ishola in Ibadan, Hon. Akin-Funmilayo announced the demolition of properties found on government-acquired lands.
“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 stated. “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 explained that the government of late Sen. Isiak Abiola Ajimobi had sent notices of acquisition on overriding public interest to former owners at Podo Area along Top One Garden, and a newspaper publication was made in the Tribune Newspaper on 25th, September 2012.
However, the land was also gazette the same year 2012, indicating its acquisition for a Neighbourhood market hence the needful being done by Gov. Makinde’s administration in fulfilment of the purpose as government they say it’s continuous.
Despite the government’s efforts, the former owner took the Oyo State Government to court, but the judgement was delivered in favour of the state government.
However, the Commissioner emphasized that those currently working on the land are not the real owners, but rather “purely land grabbers”.
“The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE has declared zero tolerance for land grabbing activities, and ensuring that the state’s assets are used for the benefit of all citizens”, Akin-Funmilayo added.
Signed:
Hon. Williams Akin-Funmilayo
Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development
Oyo State Government
