In an unexpected move, the Oyo State Government carried out the demolition of numerous structures in Ibadan, the state capital.
The demolition activity, which kicked off at the Fashade community on Tuesday along Circular Road, is set to impact approximately 12 villages in the Ona-Ara Local Government Area of the state.
The villages affected include Fashade, Aba Osho, Igbalefa, Adigbe, Badeku, Akamo, Alase, Ojoku, Dare, Isase, Oleke Meji, as well as Ogido within the Local Government Area.
One of the community leaders from the affected areas, Abdulfatal Amubikan, expressed concern over the demolition, stating that around 500 houses have been demolished.
According to Amubikan, they had engaged in a peaceful protest at the Secretariat in January where the governor assured them that their houses would not be demolished. However, the demolition commenced without waiting for the promised three-month period.
Usman Ikram, another affected individual, shared his distress at finding out about the demolition of his house while he was away, calling it an unforeseen and emotional experience.
Omowumi Akintoye, a 68-year-old widow, appealed to the government for assistance, highlighting her financial constraints and the incomplete state of her dwelling.
Various residents including Abiodun Adeyemo, Sikiru Adebayo, Folake Balogun, Omolara Babalola, and Akinkunmi Jayeola, all pleaded with Governor Makinde to intervene and provide support.
Responding to inquiries, the state Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akinfunmilayo, confirmed the demolition near Circular Road. He clarified that the government acquired space for a road project and assured compensation for affected individuals with valid documents.
Akinfunmilayo specified that only a limited number of structures located within a certain distance from Circular Road were affected and reiterated the government’s commitment to compensating those with legitimate property documents.