Oyo Govt Reads The Riot to Owners of Undeveloped Plots in Owode Housing Estate Phase II, As Residents Cry Out Over Insecurity

Oyo state government on Friday announced plans to begin the process of revoking allocations of undeveloped properties within Owode Housing Estate Phase II, Apata, Ibadan, in line with existing laws governing state-owned estates.

The situation, according to the government was necessitated by the recent protests of attack and assault by the residents by criminal suspects who take advantage of the idle and undeveloped lands to carry out their nefarious activities.

The government said most of the affected lands have been allocated to residents for over 20years with the receipent not doing anything with the land.

Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Hon. Ademola Omotosho, made this known during an inspection tour of the estate.

He noted that many allottees have held land for up to three decades without development, turning large parts of the estate into dense bushes that shelter criminals.

Hon. Omotosho explained that the move is backed by the 2001 Oyo State Housing Corporation Law, which stipulates that any plot left undeveloped for more than two years, or any allocation not fully paid for within twelve months, is automatically revoked.

“We are not the ones revoking the land; the law is. Anyone who has held our land for decades without development will lose it. We encourage people to build, but we cannot allow speculators to endanger the lives of those who have already developed their properties,” he said.

The Chairman stated that the decision followed protests and repeated reports from residents on cases of burglary, rape, and violent attacks.

He referenced a recent incident involving a 76-year-old man who was brutally attacked and narrowly survived.

Established 51 years ago, the estate remains largely underdeveloped, with less than 20 percent of its 1,000 hectares built up. In response, the state government has invited developers through public advertisements to partner with the Housing Corporation in transforming Owode Phase II into a modern residential district.

Hon. Omotosho assured residents that significant development will take place between now and June 2026, including the construction of a Police Post, an Amotekun security base, and installation of solar-powered streetlights across the estate.

He added that similar interventions are underway in Ajoda New Town, where the first 1,000 housing units are expected to be completed and delivered by June next year.

A moratorium has also been approved for allottees willing to begin immediate construction, reflecting the government’s intention to support development rather than punish landowners.

“We are alive to our responsibilities. Our duty is to protect lives, enforce the law, and ensure that every estate under the Oyo State Housing Corporation becomes safe and livable,” he said.

While reacting to the Chairman’s inspection, a resident of Owode Housing Estate Phase II, Deacon Idowu Aladejobi, commended the state government for responding to the community’s outcry but called for urgent enforcement of land development regulations.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, Aladejobi said criminals frequently hide in the numerous undeveloped plots around the estate, launching attacks on residents both day and night.

According to him, the abandoned lands have become “buckets of danger,” despite repeated complaints requesting that the Housing Corporation identify the defaulters.

He noted that residents recently staged a protest to demand effective security and adherence to the initial terms under which land was allocated.
He explained that the agreement clearly states that any plot not developed within three years should be revoked and reassigned.

“We want the government to take action on these undeveloped plots. There are people who are ready to build. Those who are not ready should have their land revoked and given to others who will develop it,” he said.

Aladejobi added that the estate currently lacks a steady security presence, leaving residents to live in fear.

“At night, we sleep with one eye open because anything can happen. We want the government to provide permanent security, if possible, a permanent Amotekun team within the estate,” he appealed.

Residents expressed hope that the inspection and promises made by the Chairman mark the beginning of meaningful action to secure and fully develop the estate.