The Oyo State Government carried out the demolition of numerous structures in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.
The demolition, which commenced at Fashade community along Circular Road on Tuesday, is expected to impact approximately 12 villages in the Ona-Ara Local Government Area.
The affected communities include Fashade, Aba Osho, Igbalefa, Adigbe, Badeku, Akamo, Alase, Ojoku, Dare, Isase, Oleke Meji, and Ogido, all situated within the Local Government Area.
During a visit to the area by our correspondent, a community leader in one of the affected areas, Abdulfatal Amubikan, expressed dismay, stating that “about 500 houses had been demolished.”
“This action came as a surprise to us. During our peaceful protest to the Secretariat in January, the governor assured us that our houses would not be demolished. I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of others during our visit. We informed him about the notices posted on our houses by the Ministry of Lands.
“The governor first assured us that our houses would not be demolished, instructing us to return to our homes. Secondly, he promised to discuss the matter with the Commissioner for Lands and provide feedback within three months. He requested that we give him (Governor Makinde) three months to address the issue, assuring us that the government would not demolish our houses. However, the government initiated the demolition before the three-month period expired in April.
“We anticipated meeting the governor again next month (April) to follow up on his promise. He also pledged that affected residents would be compensated. Yet, from yesterday (Tuesday) to today (Wednesday), approximately 500 houses have been demolished, and the exercise is ongoing,” lamented Amubikan.
The State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akinfunmilayo, confirmed the demolition of structures built near Circular Road.
Akinfunmilayo clarified that the government acquired 500 meters of space for the road project on both sides, noting that landlords with valid documents would be compensated by the government.
He stated, “I inquired with the team on-site, and they reported that just over 50 structures were affected. Some residents had even begun removing iron sheets before our arrival. Contrary to reports, no 500 houses were demolished. The structures affected were approximately 100 to 150 meters from Circular Road.”