The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the state government over reports that land belonging to Cheshire Home in Eleyele, Ibadan, is being converted into a private estate.
In a statement issued by its state chairman, Prof. Rahman Akinoso, the party described the reported development as shameful, arguing that land serving persons with disabilities and other vulnerable residents should be protected.
The party also faulted the response of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, who, according to the statement, defended the government’s action as having followed due process.
It maintained that compliance with administrative procedures could not, on its own, justify a decision that undermines the welfare of disadvantaged people.
Founded in 1959, Cheshire Home provides care, medical treatment, education and vocational training for children and adults with disabilities. It also supports rescued street youths.
The PDP said the institution’s humanitarian role should make its protection a priority, expressing concern that the reported development appeared to favour private interests over the needs of its beneficiaries.
The party accused the Makinde administration of deploying government machinery against the less privileged and alleged that the dispute reflected a wider pattern of contested land dealings in the state.
It argued that a responsible government should safeguard facilities established for vulnerable citizens and prevent their diversion to private use.
The party pledged to challenge the decision and assured Cheshire Home’s management, as well as others it described as victims of land grabbing, that it would pursue the reversal of the disputed action.
It also urged residents to consider the controversy when assessing the government’s performance and making electoral choices.
The allegations remain the party’s position. The supplied account references the government’s due-process defence but does not contain its detailed explanation of the land transaction or the arrangements affecting Cheshire Home.
