• Oyo demolishes illegal buildings on govt-acquired lands, moves to sanitise hospitality sector
From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Oyo State Government has demolished illegal structures erected on government-acquired lands. The properties are located in Podo, near Top One Garden, Oluyole Local Government, and Dizengoff, Kolapo Ishola, Ibadan.
Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, during an inspection of the affected sites yesterday, reiterated government’s commitment to protecting state-owned lands from illegal occupation and encroachment:
“The lands in question are assets of the Oyo State Government. We will not tolerate any form of encroachment or illegal occupation. The individuals currently developing the lands are not the rightful owners but are purely land grabbers.”
The commissioner referenced Section 3, Subsection 1, of the Oyo State Real Property Protection Law, 2017, which stipulates that anyone involved in land grabbing or related activities faces a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
He said government had issued revocation notices to occupants of the Podo land, near Top One Garden. The land was also officially gazetted the same year, designating it for the development of a neighbourhood market:
“Despite these measures, some occupants challenged government’s action in court. However, judgment was delivered in favour of the Oyo State Government, affirming its ownership and right to reclaim the land.
“Government is willing to engage with legitimate landowners who possess valid certificates of occupancy (CofO). Governor Seyi Makinde, has declared zero tolerance for land grabbing activities. Our goal is to ensure that state assets are utilised for the benefit of all citizens.”
In another development, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, announced government’s plans to enforce stricter regulations on hotels and hospitality businesses: “The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance internal revenue generation and tackle the increasing crime rate linked to unregistered establishments.
“The crackdown aims to ensure proper documentation of hospitality businesses, improve revenue collection and strengthen security measures. Many operators in the hospitality sector have failed to register their businesses, hindering the government’s ability to maintain accurate records, plan effectively and monitor activities within the industry.
“To address this, the state will collaborate with security agencies and registered hotel owners to enforce compliance with registration requirements. The enforcement campaign is set to begin next week, starting with awareness programmes. These efforts will be followed by stricter measures to ensure adherence to the regulations.
“The government has invested in road infrastructure to improve access to tourism sites. Security agencies are now better equipped to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
“In collaboration with the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria (HAN), government plans to conduct visits to various hospitality venues to verify compliance with registration requirements. This initiative is expected to enhance safety, boost revenue and streamline data collection for better planning and development.”
Chairman, state chapter of HAN,Otunba Ayodele Ogundele, urged hotel owners to cooperate with the government: “Compliance will lead to greater accountability and improved safety within the hospitality sector.
“The crackdown on unregistered hotels is part of the state’s broader efforts to create a safer and more prosperous environment for both residents and visitors, while ensuring the hospitality industry contributes effectively to the state’s economic growth.”