The Oyo State Government has faulted the Federal Government’s recent statement on alleged illegal land sales in the state, insisting that the lands in question were lawfully revoked and reallocated in accordance with the Land Use Act.
Reacting to the Federal Government’s claims through the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), the Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams, clarified that the temporary allocations made decades ago had long expired.
“The land meant for broadcasting purposes has been misused and neglected, with parts converted into entertainment and hospitality ventures,” the commissioner stated. He added that a related court case had been dismissed, affirming the state’s right to reclaim the property.
“The Certificate of Occupancy has been revoked, and the land lawfully reallocated,” he said.
Williams accused some federal agencies of acting above the law and violating Oyo State’s planning regulations by constructing buildings without securing the required approvals. “Certain federal establishments have been constructing buildings without obtaining state planning approval, assuming their federal status exempts them,” he said.
He described such actions as clear violations of Oyo State laws, citing concerns about safety compliance even at the Federal Secretariat complex and projects near the railway station.
The commissioner vowed that the state government would not tolerate continued disregard for its planning policies. “We will not tolerate non-compliance with our planning policies. Oyo State will not step back or allow the excesses of these agencies to continue to the disadvantage of our people,” he declared.
Williams further explained that the land revocations followed due process, with notices of intention duly served and public announcements made. He noted that most of the affected allocations date back to the 1980s and had remained undeveloped.
“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 have remained untouched for decades,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s position, the commissioner maintained that the exercise was not punitive but corrective and protective. “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 explained.
Williams assured investors that there was no cause for alarm, stressing that the state remained committed to supporting genuine investors. “The state government fully supports legitimate investors committed to developing Oyo State. We will continue to provide an enabling environment for business to thrive,” he assured.
He reaffirmed the state’s sovereignty over land administration matters, saying, “Oyo State is sovereign in its land administration. Our duty is to ensure that land serves the people, not to let it lie waste under the pretext of federal ownership.”
Williams also maintained that the Federal Government’s recent public notice misrepresented the legal status of the affected lands. “The parcels were lawfully revoked years ago in line with the Land Use Act, following due process and for the good of the people of Oyo State,” he emphasized.
