According to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lola Fagbemi, the Ondo State Government has demolished more than 40 houses and other structures in Akure, as they were built on land intended for industrial purposes. Fagbemi made this announcement on Monday in the state capital, stating that the demolition was necessary to recover the government's property from land grabbers. The Commissioner added that the government could not sit back and allow its land to be encroached upon by unscrupulous individuals and land grabbers.

The Commissioner pointed out that the defunct Western Region government had acquired these plots of land and designated them for various industrial, commercial, and economic purposes. Even after Ondo State was created on February 3, 1976, this area remained an industrial zone, and it is one of the state's most valuable assets. "Our records indicate that compensation was also paid to the original owners when the land was first acquired," Fagbemi further stated.

Through this medium, we would like to remind those affected that this area has been designated as an industrial zone, and residential structures will not be permitted there. The government cannot be intimidated in any way. Furthermore, it should be noted that none of the houses erected on this land have the necessary land documents to prove ownership, such as a Certificate of Occupancy or a land use permit. These lands have been taken over by land grabbers," the Commissioner emphasized.

She added that the ongoing demolition was just the first phase, and the government would take action wherever such illegal activities were identified to prevent Akure from becoming a haphazard city.

The state Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, Raimi Aminu, explained that the government embarked on the demolition because it was determined to bring strategic development to the state and could not allow anything to impede that goal. Aminu also disclosed that land grabbers had taken control of the land from the initial owners, subdivided it into plots measuring between 700 and 1,000 square meters, sold them for residential purposes, and barred the legitimate allottees from accessing their land.

Aminu advised anyone affected by the demolition who possessed title documents, such as a survey plan, a Certificate of Occupancy, and building approval, to approach the government.