The Oyo State Government has taken decisive action against illegal structures by demolishing buildings erected on government-acquired land in the Podo area and the Dizengoff, Kolapo Ishola area within Ibadan metropolis. The demolition exercise, led by the state Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, occurred on Wednesday and aimed to deter land grabbers from encroaching on government property.

During the operation, Akin-Funmilayo emphasized that the lands involved are state assets, stating, “We will not tolerate any form of encroachment or illegal occupation. Those currently working on the land are not the rightful owners but are purely land grabbers.” He referenced Section 3, Subsection 1 of the Oyo State Real Property Protection Law, enacted in 2017, which stipulates a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years for individuals convicted of land grabbing or related offenses.

The commissioner noted that the government had previously issued revocation notices to those occupying the Podo area, with a public announcement made in a national newspaper on September 25, 2012. Additionally, the land had been officially gazetted that same year for the establishment of a neighborhood market.

Despite some occupants challenging the land acquisition in court, the state government emerged victorious, with the court ruling in favor of the government. Akin-Funmilayo assured that the administration remains open to compensating landowners who possess valid Certificates of Occupancy.

Reaffirming Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to combating land grabbing, Akin-Funmilayo stated, “The governor has declared zero tolerance for land grabbing and is dedicated to ensuring that the state’s assets are utilized for the benefit of all citizens.” This latest action reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to protect public land and uphold property laws in the state.