Oyo Gov Issues Warning to Undeveloped Landowners

The Oyo State Housing Corporation has issued a strong notice to owners of unconstructed plots in the Owode Housing Estate Phase II, located...

The Oyo State Housing Corporation has issued a strong notice to owners of unconstructed plots in the Owode Housing Estate Phase II, located in Apata, Ibadan, urging them to start development without delay or face the possibility of losing their properties.

The Company, under the leadership of its Chairman, Hon. Demola Omotosho, initiated a fact-finding visit to the estate on Friday after residents repeatedly reported increasing security issues. Earlier, the residents had conveyed an SOS message to the government, expressing concern that the large bushy regions in the estate have turned into hideouts for criminals involved in thefts, sexual assaults, and violent incidents.

Following an inspection of the vast area of land, Omotosho revealed that despite the estate being launched almost 50 years ago, only approximately 20 percent of it has been developed. He mentioned that nearly 1,000 hectares are still undeveloped, leading to a hazardous situation for the limited number of residents who have constructed homes on their plots.

Omotosho disclosed that a recent violent incident targeting a 76-year-old individual led to renewed demonstrations and prompted the government to take action. He emphasized that numerous plot holders have left their land unused for years, breaching the Oyo State Housing Corporation Law of 2001, which states that any plot not developed within two years or not fully paid for within 12 months is automatically revoked.

"These areas were assigned many years ago. Certain individuals have kept their documents for 25 years without proceeding with the development of the land. The law is explicit: plots that remain undeveloped for two years can be taken back. We are not acting out of emotion—we are following the law," Omotosho stated.

In response to the issue of insecurity, he declared that the government plans to create a Police Post, establish an Amotekun security base, and put in place solar-powered streetlights throughout the estate. He promised residents that substantial development is set to occur by June 2026, mentioning that comparable advancements are being made in Ajoda New Town, where 1,000 housing units are anticipated by next June.

In response to worries that revocation could lead to demonstrations by landowners, Omotosho stated that keeping land allocation papers for an extended period without developing the plots has put law-abiding citizens at risk. He argued that the company is operating within the law and acting in the public's best interest.

We are the Oyo State Housing Corporation, not an entity involved in land accumulation. No one is holding onto land as a keepsake," he further stated. "Our duty is to safeguard lives, uphold the law, and ensure our housing areas are secure and suitable for living.

A spokesperson for the residents, Deacon Idowu Aladejobi, stated that the estate had been suffering from criminal acts for a long time because of overgrown and neglected areas. He referred to the cancellation as appropriate and in line with the initial contract signed with the allottees.

"Individuals who are not prepared to construct should have their resources revoked and reallocated," he stated, urging for a continuous security presence—particularly an exclusive Amotekun unit—to bring back safety to the community.

Other inhabitants who spoke to reporters voiced hope that the inspection would signify the start of genuine efforts to improve and revitalize the long-overlooked housing complex.

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