The Ogun State Government provided an explanation on Friday regarding the demolition of buildings in the Ajegunle-Araromi community in Sagamu Local Government Area that took place on Thursday. The government clarified that the demolition was primarily conducted to remove illegal structures on land that had been acquired.
Reports emerged on Thursday that government officials had employed bulldozers to dismantle structures in the Ajegunle-Araromi community. This action was met with protests from property owners, who claimed to have obtained a court order preventing the government from demolishing their homes.
However, in a statement issued on Friday, Arc. Segun Fowora, the Director General of the Bureau of Lands and Survey in Ogun, rejected the protests, referring to the residents as “illegal occupants.” Fowora explained that the government had acquired the 2-kilometer corridor along the Lagos-Ibadan highway since 1998, and just compensation had been paid to the original landowners.
He clarified that this land had been designated for industrial purposes by the previous administration, and the government began issuing contravention notices to property owners in 2021 when encroachments on the land became apparent.
“At the time, the structures were few and all at foundation levels. The clearing exercise began after the expiration of several contravention notices which were ignored by the affected squatters,” he said.
The Director General averred that development along the axis must conform with planning regulations and “contravention of occupation and developments must face consequences of violating the laws of the state.”
He clarified that “all illegal occupations and developments on government land are always notified before the government takes appropriate actions against the illegal developments.”
Contrary to claims, he said the people of Ajegunle-Araromi were served several notices of contravention.
“However, unknown individuals in flagrant violation of extant laws started building on government land without any valid documents nor title from the state and without building permits from the appropriate government agency.
“This is an attempt to deprive investors of the right to peaceful and quiet enjoyment of land.
“As a responsive and responsible administration, if this is allowed to stand, it will portray the state as unserious in the committee of foreign investors,” Fowora noted.
He warned that more such actions would happen across the state, particularly against those who are bent on violating the provisions of the law.
“The members of the public should also note that the state is wary of actions that portray her in bad light.
“Members of the public are hereby advised to conduct necessary due diligence so as not to fall prey to dubious land speculators,” he stated.
