The Ondo state government has demolished as many as 40 homes. The homes were allegedly built on public land designated for industrial use. An illegal structure behind an auto-mart on the Acre-Owo highway is said to have been built by land grabbers.
According to the state government, the move was a necessary step in preparation for the purported start of construction of Ondo port.
Lola Fagbemi, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, said that landlords and occupiers of the affected illegal buildings were informed in advance of the government’s intention to requisition the land.
He further emphasised that the land was previously acquired by the Western Region and designated as an industrial zone. Fagbemi said the demolition work was done to reclaim government property already in the possession of land grabbers.
According to the Commissioner –
“These tracts of land were acquired by the defunct Western Region government and were designated as industrial land for the use of economic, commercial, and other industrial purposes.
“This place remained an industrial area upon the creation of Ondo State on February 3, 1976, and this is one of the greatest immovable assets that we have as a state,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Infrastructure, Raimi Aminu, said the demolition was essential and urgent. This is especially as the state awaits the start of construction on the expected Ondo Port.
cc: Daily Post Ng
