In a recent development, the Ogun State Housing Corporation, OGSHC, has taken the decision to issue a seven-day quit notice to individuals who are illegally occupying its housing estates spread across the state. The notice demands that these occupants vacate the premises and dismantle any structures or buildings they have put up.
During a rigorous development control and enforcement exercise carried out at Idiroko Housing Estate in the Ipokia Local Government Area, the General Manager of the Corporation, Wale Ojo, emphasized that the move aligns with section 7 (1) of the Ogun State Housing Corporation Law 2006.
Ojo further elaborated that the exercise aims to identify unauthorized developments, identify non-compliant structures with the approved plan, address inappropriate land use, and ensure that constructions are in accordance with the designed layout after the completion of this process, among other objectives.
A stern warning was issued by Ojo, stating that failure to adhere to the Corporation’s directive would result in the demolition of illegal structures, with occupants facing prosecution and bearing the expenses for the removal of their unauthorized buildings.
Weighing in on the matter, the Director of Survey at the Corporation, Bunmi Oladeinde-Oluwakemi, highlighted that one of the agency’s primary functions is to enumerate illegal houses and pinpoint structures that do not meet the Corporation’s standards. She mentioned that the agency would consider documents or complaints from occupants before initiating any demolition activities.
Oladeinde-Oluwakemi urged residents to always seek advice from relevant government bodies before purchasing land within the state to avoid falling into legal issues.
Representing the residents living in the estates, Babatunde Taiwo, Chairman of Ifeloju Community Development Association in Idiroko Ikolaje, expressed their willingness to comply with the Corporation’s directives while appealing for an extension to the notice period.