Estimated reading time: 7 minute(s)
Residents of Kajola -mowe community along the Lagos -Ibadan express way in Obafemi-Owode Local Government area of Ogun state, have accused the state government of an alleged plan to illegally take over the their lands.
The residents alleged that the government and a company, Nigeria Wood preservation industry limited reportedly invaded the community and destroyed houses, and churches in the community.
The Baale of Kajola, Chief Taiwo Atanda claimed that the company which was led by one Jim Okaro allegedly colluded with the commissioner of Urban and Physical Planning, Tunji Odunlami to destroy properties in the community.
The community head who claimed that the land belongs to them, said they were in shock when some policemen and Task Force officers, including street boys stormed the scene with five excavators to destroy uncompleted buildings , churches, houses in the community.
The community head, and residents appealed to the governor, Dapo Abiodun to intervene in the matter, noting that life has become unbearable for them after the demolition.
Atanda, while describing the incident as heinous and uncalled for, urged the governor to brought the perpetrators to book.
The Baale also alleged that the office of the commissioner for physical and urban planning, General Manager Town planning, Special Adviser on Town planning and the CSO to the state Governor were those who gave the demolition order.
He further said, “These powerful people also barred the family from securing application for building permit from the ministry of physical planning and also ask for the sum of 1.5 million naira for the excavators they brought on the land before hearing any complaints.
“After they came for demolition on the 25th of November 2022 and we went to the court to report them. Court gave us an order to sue the company but they refuse to honour our letter. That is why we made publication on newspapers and they are still threatening to come back and continue the demolition of houses in the town
“We are not here to cause chaos. What we want is for the law to prevail. We are going to insist on every inch of our land come back to us because the judgement of the court is in our favour.
“We have contacted the ministry of lands who are in charge of the case , Town planning, Ministry of chieftaincy, others but we got no response than backing up on the demolition.”
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
FOOTNOTE: Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 or email: platformtimes@gmail.com
