Oyo Denies Plans To Revoke Land At Ajoda New Town
The Oyo State Housing Corporation has denied allegations that it intends to revoke any land on the Ajoda new town estate, Ibadan from encroachers. Some illegal occupants on the land, accused the corporation of intention to revoke their parcels of land. In a press briefing on Wednesday, the Corporation’s chairman, Demola Omotosho said contrary to what was being portrayed, about 4,000 encroachers have been identified. According to the Chairman, the encroachers breached every provision as contained in the Act that established the corporation. He said contrary to insinuations, the encroachers bought land on the estate, without government’s approval from swindlers, who are could not provide land titles to them. Mr. Omotosho however added that the Corporation, through the magnanimity of the Governor, is making provisions to incorporate the encroachers, numbering over 4,000 in its development plan. “Over 4,000 encroachers are in Ajoda new town, as we speak. They bought land from fictitious people who could not give them land titles. Magnanimously, the corporation will incorporate them in the scheme, so they can become official tenants of the corporation.” The Chairman insisted that the corporation is set to rejig the allocations on the estate, in the interest of the corporation and its allotees. “There are so many challenges we are facing in developing the estate, but we will surmount them, as they come. However, we do not intend to revoke allotees, rather there will be a resettlement.”, he said. “Allotees holding on to allocations, like souvenirs will not allow estates to develop, anywhere in the world. The Law that sets up OYHC, is emphatic on that…you lose your land if you refuse to develop. Some of them bought lands, as far back as 14-15 years of not developing their land. Some who have not paid statutory amounts to be paid, actually stand risk of losing their allocations.” Omotosho said according to the Act of Oyo State House of Assembly that established the corporation, it’s primary duty is to build affordable homes for the public. He said the Corporation is making efforts to build more affordable houses in all estates across Oyo, Iseyin, Ogbomoso, Saki, Okeho and Ibarapa. “We want to do more to achieve this core assignment. We came up with a vision to build more affordable houses in all estates across Oyo, Iseyin, Ogbomoso, Saki Okeho and Ibarapa”, he said. Starting with Ibadan, Mr. Omotosho said the Corporation intends to build Two thousand, five hundred (2,500) housing units within one year at Ajoda new town. He said the estate is specially located at the dove tail of the circular road, while the Ibadan airport, which is experiencing an upgrade is about 8-10mins drive from the Ajoda new town. Speaking on the history of the estate, Omotosho said Ajoda new town was established 47 years ago by former military administrator, Gen. David Jembewon. He said the Ajoda New town estate, is sitting on 5,000 hectres of land, but has been encroached by land grabbers. Mr. Omotosho therefore said the Corporation will leverage on the vast land in Ajoda, by laying foundation for Ajoda-Gulf estate, which will attract elites to the estate. He said the estate will come with a Gulf school, and a Gulf course, as well as a recreational park. Mr. Omotosho said in few weeks, the corporation will build a shopping mall at Olubadan estate, opposite Gbagi market with over 300 lock up shops. He applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for developing Oyo State, and improving the economy of the State, especially the capital city. Omotosho added that the previous leadership at the corporation opened up Ajoda new town with tarred roads, hinting that “this gave us the impetus to develop the Ajoda new town estate, further.” “Beautiful estates have sprung up in Oyo State, and these are in efforts to grow the State”, he said. He therefore solicited the support of all stakeholders to disseminate the information, adding that the corporation is keen on providing affordable houses.