The Oyo State Government has officially refuted circulating online reports alleging the demolition of property belonging to the former Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan. The clarification was issued following a high-level on-the-spot assessment of the site by top state officials.
The Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, led a fact-finding mission to the site, identified as a parcel of land located along the Iwo Road–Ojoo Expressway.
Upon inspection, the Commissioner dismissed the demolition claims as a total misrepresentation of facts. He clarified that the property is an undeveloped parcel of land with no structures currently on it. Consequently, he stated that the government could not have “demolished” buildings that do not exist.
The Commissioner further explained that the government’s intervention was not a political vendetta but an administrative necessity driven by community complaints.
The Access Issue: The land in question is positioned directly in front of a community access road. This road is vital for linking residents and other property owners in the area to the major highway.
Community Redress: Several members of the host community were present at the briefing, alleging that they had previously faced intimidation while trying to resolve the road obstruction amicably. They eventually sought government intervention to restore their right of way.
Statutory Compliance: Mr. Akin-Funmilayo stressed that the ministry acted only after issuing proper statutory notices. He noted that even federal land approvals prohibit the obstruction of existing public access roads.
By conducting this on-site assessment, the Makinde administration is moving to stifle a burgeoning “political victimisation” narrative. The Commissioner urged the public to disregard the misleading publications, reaffirming that the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development remains committed to orderly urban planning and the protection of public infrastructure.
