Oyo govt tackles Federal Govt over Land ownership - Ogbomoso Info ‎

 

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‎The government of Oyo State on Thursday rebutted claims by the Federal Government about the ownership of some choice properties located within the state, declaring that the said properties had been revoked and taken over by the state.

‎The state’s Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funlayo, who made the position known at a press conference on Thursday, said that the state government reserves the right to repossess any unutilised land within its borders, adding that the Federal Government should either develop any landed property owned by it within the state or risk forfeiture.

‎He said that the properties being claimed by the Federal Government had since been revoked by the state government; therefore, they were no longer owned by the federal authorities.

‎The commissioner further stated that under the Land Use Act of 1978, all land in the state has been vested in the governor.

‎His statement was in reaction to a recent notice by the Federal Government, which cautioned individuals and organisations against encroaching on certain federally owned lands in the state.

‎A publication by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, titled “Caveat Emptor,” contained in the October 22 edition of Nigerian Tribune, had warned individuals and organisations from encroaching on the federal properties located within Oyo State.

‎The publication, signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Shuaib M. L. Belgore, on behalf of the Honourable Minister, listed the said properties to include the African Regional Centre for Engineering Manufacturing (ARCEDEM), Ibadan; Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, Idi-Ayunre; Federal Housing Scheme, Saki, Oyo State; the National Strategic Grain Reserve and Silos, Ibadan; Radio Nigeria’s land located within the premises of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS); and the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan.

‎But the commissioner, who spoke for the government of Oyo State, stated that the publication by the Federal Government misrepresented the facts as they relate to the properties.

‎He said that the state government was compelled to clarify the situation, adding that its actions were “lawful, transparent and guided by the Land Use Act of 1978,” which, he said, vests authority over all lands in a state in the hands of the governor.

‎He said: “Our action is not a hostile one; rather, it is a necessary measure to protect the state’s assets, restore investor confidence, and ensure that public land is utilised for the benefit of our people.”

‎He explained that the six listed sites had either been abandoned or left undeveloped for decades by the federal agencies, thus creating security risks and hindering urban growth.

‎“Under the Land Use Act of 1978, the authority over all land in the state is vested in the state government. Federal agencies are tenants on the land. When they fail to use it for the public good, or when they abandon it for decades, it becomes our duty as custodians of the lives and property of our citizens to reclaim and reallocate it,” the commissioner said.

‎While speaking on the ARCEDEM site located along Iwo Road, Ibadan, Akin-Funlayo stated that the land was allocated as far back as 1983, but had become derelict.

‎He added: “That parcel of land became a jungle, harbouring criminals and posing a security threat to nearby residents. Following several 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 is, therefore, a great embarrassment that the federal ministry would now attempt to lay claim to land that was legally revoked five years ago and is already being put to better use.”

‎He said that the temporary allocation of the property originally allocated to the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) had long expired, adding that: “The land meant for broadcasting purposes has been misused and neglected, with parts converted into entertainment and hospitality ventures.”

‎He added: “The court has dismissed a related case, affirming the state’s right to reclaim it. The Certificate of Occupancy has been revoked, and the land lawfully reallocated.”

‎He also accused some federal agencies of acting above the law and violating state planning regulations by erecting buildings without obtaining state planning approval, while assuming that their federal status exempts them from state laws.

‎“This is a clear violation of Oyo State laws. Even the Federal Secretariat complex and construction near the railway station have raised concerns about compliance with safety standards,” he noted.

‎He said that the state would not allow a disregard of the law by institutions and individuals, adding that the state government will not step back or allow the excesses of some agencies to continue to the disadvantage of the people.

‎Akin-Funlayo stated further that the said revocations followed due process, as according to him, notices of intention were served and public announcements made.

‎“Every Certificate of Occupancy clearly states that if the land is not developed within a specified time, usually two years, the holder risks losing it. Many of these allocations date back to the 1980s and have remained untouched.

‎“Our actions are not punitive; they are corrective and protective. We act to prevent potential dangers, reclaim abandoned spaces, and promote sustainable urban growth,” he stated.

‎The commissioner assured investors not to panic, adding that the government would fully support legitimate investors who are committed to developing the state.