The Oyo State government has intensified its fight against land grabbing by demolishing illegally occupied properties on state-acquired lands in key areas of Ibadan, including Podo Area (Top One Garden, Oluyole LGA) and Dizengoff (Kolapo Ishola Area).
The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin Funmilayo, confirmed the action, stressing that the government will not tolerate encroachment on its assets.
"The lands in question are assets of the Oyo State government, and we will not tolerate any form of encroachment or illegal occupation," Funmilayo declared during the demolition exercise.
Government’s Legal Stand Against Encroachment
The Commissioner emphasized that those occupying and developing the land are not rightful owners but land grabbers. Citing the Oyo State Real Property Protection Law, 2017, he warned that anyone involved in land grabbing could face up to 15 years in prison.
He further revealed that:
- The revocation notice for the Podo Area was issued and published in newspapers on September 25, 2012.
- The land was officially gazetted in the same year for a neighborhood market development.
- Despite legal ownership, some occupants challenged the revocation in court but lost the case, confirming the government's right over the land.
Government's Readiness to Engage Genuine Landowners
While taking a tough stance against land grabbing, Funmilayo assured that landowners with valid Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) could engage with the government to resolve disputes.
"Governor Seyi Makinde has declared zero tolerance for land-grabbing activities and is committed to ensuring that the state's assets are used for the benefit of all citizens," he added.
This latest move underscores the Oyo State government’s commitment to reclaiming public lands and preventing illegal acquisitions, sending a strong warning to land grabbers and unauthorized occupants across the state.
