Demolition news: Crank down on crime and non-compliance
The landscape of real estate in Oyo State has recently faced significant shifts, with the state government intensifying its enforcement of building regulations and security protocols. For residents and investors, these actions serve as a stark reminder that property ownership in the “Pacesetter State” requires more than just a transaction—it requires absolute compliance.
Recent Demolitions: A Crackdown on Crime and Non-Compliance
As of mid-June 2026, the Oyo State Government, under the directive of Governor Seyi Makinde, has executed a series of strategic demolitions focused primarily on public safety and urban order.
On June 16, 2026, a residential compound in the Gbenku area, along Arubiewe Road near Olodo Garage in Ibadan, was razed. Security agencies uncovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition on the property, which was allegedly being used as a logistics hub for kidnapping and other violent crimes. The Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Mojeed Mogbonjubola, emphasized that this move is part of a “zero-tolerance” policy toward any property owner who allows their premises to be used for criminal activities.
This followed a similar exercise on June 8, 2026, where a building used as a hideout by kidnappers—specifically those involved in the high-profile abduction of a former minister’s relative—was destroyed. Beyond security concerns, the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development continues to monitor unauthorized structures and land-grabbing activities, with recent interventions by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, highlighting the complex legal battles over land boundaries in areas like Isokan Estate.
The Critical Need for KYC and Due Diligence
In light of these events, the “buyer beware” (caveat emptor) principle has never been more relevant. For tenants and homeowners in Oyo State, performing rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) and Due Diligence is no longer optional; it is a protective shield.
-
For Homeowners: Knowing the history of your land and the character of your tenants is vital. If a tenant uses your property for illegal acts, the state’s current policy suggests the structure itself may be forfeited or demolished.
-
For Tenants: Renting a property without verifying the landlord’s building approval or land title puts you at risk of sudden displacement if the government identifies the building as an “illegal structure” or a “security threat.”
How DEVALOP Bridges the Gap
Recognizing the anxiety and technical hurdles these regulations can cause, DEVALOP is actively working to bridge the information gap between the government and the public.
Aligned with the Oyo State Ministry of Lands’ guidelines, DEVALOP provides proper orientation for property seekers and owners. Their impact is felt through:
-
Verification Assistance: Ensuring that titles (C of O, Registered Deeds) and Building Permits are genuine before any exchange of funds.
-
Compliance Education: Orienting homeowners on the 20-day building approval process and the necessity of Professional Income Tax clearances required by the state.
-
Security Profiling: Encouraging structured KYC for tenants to ensure that residential spaces remain safe and free from criminal infiltration.
By fostering a culture of “documentation before development,” DEVALOP ensures that the dreams of homeowners in Oyo State don’t end in the path of a bulldozer.
The Oyo State Government remains committed to urban renewal and security. To stay safe, ensure your property has an approved survey plan and a valid building permit, and always verify the identity of those who occupy your space.
