We Are Not Revoking Anyone’s Land - Oyo Housing Corporation Chairman

News/Opinion

We Are Not Revoking Anyone’s Land - Oyo Housing Corporation Chairman

Reported by Ayooluwa Afolabi

The Oyo State Housing Corporation has clarified that it does not intend to revoke land from individuals identified as encroachers in Ajoda New Town Estate.

This statement responds to public concerns regarding the Ajoda New Town Estate in Ibadan, which was established 47 years ago by former military administrator Gen. David Jembewon. Despite its long history, the area has faced significant encroachment.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Hon. Ademola Omotosho, Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, addressed the misconceptions raised by some illegal occupants who fear losing their property.

He emphasized that the briefing aimed to address these concerns.

Hon. Ademola revealed that approximately 4,000 encroachers have been identified within the estate, he noted that many of these individuals acquired their land from corrupt sellers without proper legal or governmental approval. \"Many of those claiming to have acquired land hold illegitimate titles, making their claims very questionable. However, we will not revoke anyone\'s land,\" he stated.

He added that despite the challenges, the corporation plans to integrate the encroachers into future development plans. \"With the governor\'s approval, we intend to make these individuals official tenants,\" he said.

Hon. Ademola also outlined future developments in the estate, including plans for an Ajoda Gulf Estate with recreational amenities designed to attract more residents. \"This will be a civil servants\' estate with 2,500 housing units, including 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom bungalows, catering to various budgets,\" he explained.

\"Our goal is to decongest major areas in the city so that residents from both rural and urban areas can benefit from these infrastructures.\"

Adding that the corporation plans to boost local commerce by implementing new infrastructure, including a shopping mall at Olubadan Estate which will contain over 300 shops.

Hon. Ademola commended Governor Makinde for his commitment to boosting Oyo State\'s economy and infrastructure. He reiterated that the corporation\'s primary goal is to provide affordable housing for all residents, a mission that requires community support.

\"This initiative is a public-private partnership aimed at offering affordable housing for our citizens. We are also working on mortgage options in collaboration with the right organizations to assist individuals,\" he noted.

He acknowledged that the new infrastructure developments might impact some residents but assured that there would be compensation for those affected. \"The government has allocated funds to compensate those whose homes and lands will be impacted,\" he said.

Board members, including Hon. Olakunle Akinsete, Reverend Adeboyin, Mrs. Adeyemi, General Manager Mr. Toyese, and other directors, attended the press briefing.