Oyo State Warns Federal Government Over Illegitimate Claims to Reclaimed Lands and Properties
Oyo State Warns Federal Government Over Illegitimate Claims to Reclaimed Lands and Properties
The Oyo State Government has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, cautioning against misleading the public regarding the ownership of certain government properties within the state. The state insists that these lands were lawfully revoked and reallocated after decades of abandonment and misuse.
During a press briefing in Ibadan yesterday, the State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Akinfunmilayo Williams, addressed recent statements by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. The ministry had issued a public notice warning Nigerians against purchasing some properties listed in Oyo State, claiming they remain federal assets.
The notice, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Shuaib Belgore, stated that “any individual or entity attempting to buy, sell, or claim ownership of the listed properties would be doing so illegally and at their own risk.” The properties in question include the Africa Regional Centre for Engineering Design and Manufacturing (ARCEDEM) at Iwo Road, the Federal Low-Cost Estate and Site and Services at Idi-Ayure, a Federal Housing Scheme in Saki, the National Strategic Grain Reserve property at Iyande, the Radio Nigeria property at Basorun, and the National Horticultural Research Institute site at Ajalubosa, Alesinloye—all within Oyo State.
In response, Williams emphasized that the state government’s actions are lawful, transparent, and in accordance with the Land Use Act of 1978, which grants the governor authority over all land within the state. “Our measures are not hostile; they are necessary steps to protect the state’s assets, boost investor confidence, and ensure public land is used for the benefit of our citizens,” he explained.
Williams highlighted that the six listed sites had either been abandoned or left undeveloped for many years by federal agencies, creating security concerns and impeding urban development. “Under the Land Use Act of 1978, land in the state is under the control of the government. Federal agencies are tenants on this land. When they neglect or abandon it for decades, it becomes our duty as custodians of the people’s property to reclaim and reallocate it,” he stated.
Regarding ARCEDEM on Iwo Road, Williams recalled that the land was allocated in 1983 but had fallen into disrepair, turning into a jungle that harbored criminals and posed security risks. “After receiving complaints and security reports, we issued a notice of intent to revoke its Certificate of Occupancy in September 2020 and formally reclaimed it the following month. It’s disheartening that a federal ministry would now try to claim land that was legally revoked five years ago and is already being put to better use,” he added.
Williams also accused some federal agencies of acting outside the law by constructing buildings without securing state planning approval, assuming their federal status exempted them. “This is a violation of Oyo State laws. Even the Federal Secretariat complex and structures near the railway station have raised safety concerns. We will not tolerate non-compliance with our planning regulations. Oyo State will stand firm against these excesses to protect the interests of our people,” he affirmed.
