The Oyo State government has taken decisive action against land grabbers by demolishing properties on its acquired lands in the Podo Area, along Top One Garden in Oluyole Local Government, and Dizengoff in the Kolapo Ishola Area of Ibadan.

The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin Funmilayo, confirmed the development, emphasizing the government?s commitment to protecting its assets.

During the demolition exercise, the Commissioner stated, ?The lands in question are assets of the Oyo State government, and we will not tolerate any form of encroachment or illegal occupation.?

He clarified that those occupying and developing the land are not its rightful owners but ?purely land grabbers.?

Citing the Oyo State Real Property Protection Law, 2017, Akin Funmilayo warned that anyone involved in land-grabbing activities could face imprisonment of up to 15 years.

He further explained that the government had issued revocation notices to the occupants of the Podo Area and had published the revocation in a newspaper on September 25, 2012.

The land was also officially gazetted the same year for the development of a neighborhood market.

Despite the state government?s legal standing, he noted that some occupants took the matter to court, but the judgment was ruled in favor of the government.

However, Akin Funmilayo assured that the government is willing to engage with landowners who possess genuine Certificates of Occupancy (CofO).

?Governor Seyi Makinde has declared zero tolerance for land-grabbing activities and is committed to ensuring that the state?s assets are used for the benefit of all citizens,? he added. (The Nation)