The Ondo State Government has confirmed the demolition of at least 40 houses and structures allegedly erected on public lands designated for industrial purposes.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lola Fagbemi who disclosed this akure, the state capital, said the purpose of the demolition was to reclaim government property that was occupied by land grabbers.
The illegal structures, situated behind Automart along Akure-Owo highway, were said to have been erected by land grabbers.
According to the state government, the move became imperative in preparation for the purported commencement of Port Ondo.
Fagbemi went ahead to reveal that the affected landlords and occupants of the illegal buildings had earlier been warned of the government’s intention to take possession of the lands.
While emphasising that the land had earlier been acquired by the Western Region and designated as an industrial area, Fagbemi, said the demolition exercise was carried out in a bid to reclaim government property already in the possession of land grabbers.
“These tracts of land were acquired by the defunct Western Region government and were designated as industrial land for the use of economic, commercial, and other industrial purposes.
“This place remained an industrial area upon the creation of Ondo State on February 3, 1976, and this is one of the greatest immovable assets that we have as a state,” he said.
On his part, Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Infrastructure, Raimi Aminu, said the demolition was essential and urgent, especially as the state awaits the commencement of the long-anticipated Ondo Port.