50-Year-Old Estate Still Undeveloped: Oyo Govt Orders Immediate Development or Revocation

The Oyo State Housing Corporation has issued a stern warning to allottees of undeveloped plots in Owode Housing Estate Phase II, Apata, Ibadan, directing them to commence development immediately or risk losing their lands.

The Corporation, led by its Chairman, Hon. Demola Omotosho, embarked on a fact-finding mission to the estate on Friday following repeated complaints by residents over rising insecurity. Residents had earlier sent a Save Our Soul (SOS) message to the government, lamenting that the vast bushy areas within the estate had become hideouts for criminals who carry out burglaries, rape, and violent attacks.

Speaking after an inspection tour of the large expanse of land, Omotosho disclosed that although the estate was inaugurated nearly 50 years ago, only about 20 per cent of it has been developed. He noted that close to 1,000 hectares remain untouched, creating an unsafe environment for the few residents who have built on their plots.

Omotosho revealed that a recent violent attack on a 76-year-old resident triggered fresh protests and prompted the government’s intervention. He stressed that many allottees have abandoned their plots for decades in violation of the Oyo State Housing Corporation Law of 2001, which mandates that any plot not developed within two years or not fully paid for within 12 months stands automatically revoked.

“These lands were allocated decades ago. Some allottees have held their papers for 25 years without developing the plots. The law is clear: undeveloped plots after two years are subject to revocation. We are not revoking out of sentiment—it is the law,” Omotosho said.

To tackle insecurity in the area, he announced that the government will establish a Police Post, set up an Amotekun security base, and install solar-powered streetlights across the estate. He assured residents that significant development would take place before June 2026, adding that similar progress was underway in Ajoda New Town, where 1,000 units are expected by June next year.

Responding to concerns that revocation might spark protests from allottees, Omotosho maintained that holding land allocation documents indefinitely without developing the plots has endangered law-abiding residents. He insisted that the corporation is acting legally and in the interest of public safety.

“We are the Oyo State Housing Corporation, not a land-banking agency. No one is keeping land as a souvenir,” he added. “Our responsibility is to protect lives, enforce the law, and ensure our estates are safe and livable.”

A representative of the residents, Deacon Idowu Aladejobi, confirmed that the estate had long been plagued by criminal activities due to overgrown and abandoned plots. He described the revocation move as timely and consistent with the original agreement signed with allottees.

“Those who are not ready to build should have their allocations withdrawn and reassigned,” he said, appealing for a permanent security presence—especially a dedicated Amotekun team—to restore safety to the estate.

Other residents who spoke with newsmen expressed hope that the inspection would mark the beginning of real action to secure and transform the long-neglected estate.