Speaking to journalists during a site visit, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, explained that the move was necessary to protect public safety and allow for a thorough investigation into what caused the incident.

“We’re grateful that no lives were lost,” Akin-Funmilayo said. “But after evaluating the situation, we had to seal the premises immediately to prevent further risk to life and property.”

Preliminary observations by government officials suggested that some of the building materials used in the construction were possibly below standard, raising concerns about the quality of work and compliance with safety regulations.

As part of its response, the government has ordered integrity tests not only on the collapsed structure but also on other branches of the same restaurant operating across the state.

“These assessments are necessary to ensure that similar incidents don’t occur elsewhere,” the commissioner noted. “The findings will inform our next steps regarding the site and the company’s future construction activities.”

Akin-Funmilayo assured the public that officials from the Ministry of Works will lead the investigation, and that all recommendations from the assessment will be strictly followed to uphold building safety standards across Oyo State.

The post Oyo Government Shuts Down Collapsed Building Site in Ibadan for Safety Assessment appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Traders and business owners at Alegongo Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, are counting their losses after the local government authorities demolished their shops and outlets.

The demolition took place following the expiration of a seven-day quit notice issued by the council chairman. Armed security operatives oversaw the demolition, paralyzing the commercial area and leaving many shop owners scrambling to salvage what they could from the wreckage.

Earlier in the week, the affected traders marched to the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, hoping to secure Governor Seyi Makinde’s intervention to stop the demolition.

Despite carrying placards and appealing to the governor for mercy, their pleas were ignored. The traders, who had not been able to meet with the council chairman since the eviction notice was posted, argued that they had long-standing agreements with community leaders regarding the use of the space. They believed the demolition posed a direct threat to their livelihoods.

With the expiration of the quit notice, the demolition proceeded as planned, leaving the traders in shock. Both residents and traders expressed confusion, as the reasons behind the action were unclear. One resident, Bimpe, voiced concerns about the suddenness of the demolition and its potential impact on the community. Traders like Mr. Ajibola Keru, who had been allocated the space for over 20 years, felt blindsided by the decision. They expected a more transparent process, including a discussion or meeting before the demolition occurred.

Local government officials, however, defended the action, claiming that the demolition was part of a broader effort to modernize the area for the benefit of both residents and business owners. Despite these claims, the traders remain frustrated and uncertain about the future of their businesses.

The post Traders in Ibadan Face Devastation as Oyo Council Demolishes Shops appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Oyo State government has announced a new re-verification exercise for landowners and claimants affected by the land acquisition for Segment I of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, stretching from Alago to the Ajota community.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Moses Alao, disclosed that the exercise aims to ensure proper compensation for affected individuals. A monitoring team, led by retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, will oversee the process.

“The re-verification exercise will begin on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 10 a.m., and conclude on December 22, 2024,” Alao stated.

Required Documentation for Re-Verification

Landowners and claimants are required to provide the following documents during the exercise:

• Local government identification certificate or residence permit for non-indigenes.
• Land purchase agreement.
• National Identification Number (NIN).
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Letter of power of attorney (for proxies) from the Ministry of Justice.
• Bank details.
• Survey plan of the property/farmland.
• Photographs of the property/farmland.
• Affidavit from a court or the Ministry of Justice.
• Two passport-sized photographs and means of identification of a guarantor/surety.

The exercise will be conducted in batches. Claimants are advised to visit the Ministry of Lands on Friday, December 13, 2024, to confirm their batch.

Venue and Timeline

The re-verification process will take place at the Islamic High School, Orita Basorun, Ibadan, from December 15 to December 22, 2024.

The Oyo State government urges all affected landowners and claimants to participate in the exercise, ensuring the smooth disbursement of compensations for properties impacted by the development of the Circular Road project.

The post Oyo State Govt Launches Landowner Re-Verification for Circular Road Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.