The Oyo State Government has dismissed as baseless allegations that it demolished a property belonging to former Deputy Governor Engr. Rauf Olaniyan for political reasons. The Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Hon. Akin-Funmilayo Williams, led officials and journalists to the site, clarifying that only illegal fences blocking an access road were brought down.
Hon. Akinfunmilayo Williams explained that the decision was taken after receiving complaints from residents and serving notices to those concerned. He noted that the approval obtained from the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development prohibited blocking the access road linking to the major road. The commissioner emphasized that the property in question is an undeveloped land without structures, and the state government could not have demolished a landed property with no structure.
Recall that a news story was published earlier today, alleging that the Seyi Makinde-led administration demolished former Deputy Governor Olaniyan’s property along Ojoo Expressway. However, Hon. Akinfunmilayo Williams stated that the demolition was necessary to restore public access to the area.
Residents of the community corroborated the commissioner’s account, stating that they had made several efforts to resolve the issue peacefully but were subjected to intimidation and harassment by the former Deputy Governor. They alleged that Olaniyan’s actions were aimed at blocking the access road for personal gain.
Engr. Aderemi Olaniyan, who was impeached by the Oyo State House of Assembly on July 18, 2022, had been found guilty of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and financial recklessness, among other charges. The impeachment had sparked controversy, with some supporters of Olaniyan alleging that it was politically motivated.
The Oyo State Government has maintained that the impeachment was a lawful exercise of the House of Assembly’s constitutional powers. The government has also emphasized its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens.
The demolition of the illegal fence has been welcomed by residents, who see it as a step towards improving infrastructure and promoting community development. However, Olaniyan’s supporters have vowed to challenge the government’s actions, alleging that they are politically motivated.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between the Oyo State Government and some of its critics, including former officials who have fallen out of favor. The government has accused some of these critics of spreading propaganda and misinformation, while critics have accused the government of suppressing dissent and undermining democratic institutions.
