The Ogun State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights has raised the alarm over what it described as a controversial high-profile development within the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate along the Abeokuta–Kobape-Siun-Sagamu -Interchange Expressway in Ogun State, warning that the rights and investments of subscribers to the residential scheme may be under threat.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its State Chairman, Comrade Onifade Funmilayo, and State Secretary, Comrade Ali Adesina, the group called for an immediate probe into the ownership, approval status and land-use classification of the project.
The organisation described the structure as a “large-scale complex with the outlook of a five-star hotel,” allegedly guarded by six brand-new Toyota Hilux patrol vans and a black SUV with a covered number plate.
CDHR expressed concern that such a facility, if used for commercial or hospitality purposes, could amount to a violation of the original master plan of the 500-hectare estate, which was publicly presented as a strictly residential site-and-services scheme.
According to the group, subscribers began purchasing plots in the estate in 2016 under the understanding that it was designated exclusively for residential use, with many commencing construction from 2017.
“The rights and legitimate expectations of subscribers who invested in a purely residential scheme must not be compromised,” the statement read.
The rights body questioned whether the development complies with Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning regulations and whether any lawful change of land use was granted to convert the property from residential to commercial or hospitality purposes.
It also raised concerns over possible security implications of operating a high-traffic facility within a residential environment.
Beyond planning issues, CDHR queried whether heavy-duty vehicular movements linked to the complex may have contributed to the severe damage observed on the right lanes of the dualised Abeokuta–Kobape-Siun-Sagamu-Interchange Expressway, warning that taxpayers should not be made to shoulder the burden of repairs if private interests are responsible.
Invoking the Freedom of Information Act, the organisation demanded the immediate disclosure of the identity of the owner and beneficial owners of the complex.
It further called for the public release of all planning approvals, building permits, Environmental Impact Assessment reports and any documentation relating to a change of land use.
The group also requested access to any independent engineering assessment conducted on the damaged section of the highway and insisted that any party found culpable should undertake immediate repairs.
CDHR warned that it could seek a public engagement session involving estate subscribers and relevant government agencies if the matter is not transparently addressed.
Describing its intervention as one made in the public interest, the organisation urged the Ogun State Government and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the development and make their findings public without delay.
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