House Owners in Ibadan, Oyo State, express distress over the demolition of properties within the state capital. The Oyo State government commenced the demolition of houses along the Ibadan circular road on Tuesday and Wednesday.
This project, aimed at easing congestion at major entry and exit points of Ibadan, was initially proposed by former Governor Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja but began construction during the tenure of the late Abiola Ajimobi.
Several communities, including Fashade, Aba Osho, Igbalefa, Adigbe, Badeku, Akamo, Alase, Ojoku, Dare, Isase, Oleke Meji, and Ogido, within the Ona Ara Local Government Area, are affected by the circular road construction.
Abdulfatal Amubikan, a community leader from one of the places affected, alleged that approximately 500 houses have been demolished, however, the state Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akinfunmilayo, refuted this claim, stating that only slightly over 50 structures were affected. He mentioned that some residents had begun dismantling their homes prior to the demolition.
Akinfunmilayo assured residents with legitimate property documents that they would be compensated and encouraged them to approach the secretariat for assistance.
Legal point of view
The governor can only offer monetary compensation to residents that were affected by the demolition as the most feasible option. The demolition, serving the public interest, cannot be stopped.
This aligns with Section 28(1) of the Land Use Act 1990, which empowers the Governor to revoke a right of occupancy for overriding public interest.
The adequacy of the compensation received will be a matter for consideration, determining whether it will suffice for the displaced families to rebuild their lives.
