Develop abandoned properties or risk forfeiture, Ondo govt warns landlords

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Government has threatened to enforce urban development laws against owners of abandoned and undeveloped properties across major towns in the state, warning that such structures could either be redeveloped or taken over in the public interest.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), disclosed this during a lecture titled, “Rule of Law and Urbanisation of Our Cities,” delivered in Akure, the state capital. In his address, Ajulo said several abandoned structures in strategic parts of Akure had remained undeveloped for decades, stressing that the situation was inconsistent with the government’s urban renewal vision.

He said, “There are buildings in this city that have remained in the same condition for over 30 years. Such structures do not complement the developmental strides going on in the state.”

The commissioner also explained that the government planned to digitise land administration to improve monitoring, planning and compliance with physical development regulations, adding that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was committed to transforming major cities into modern urban centres.

He further warned owners of abandoned properties, particularly along major roads in Akure, to either develop the structures or risk government intervention in line with the provisions of the Land Use Act.

“Some buildings in areas like Alagbaka have remained abandoned and uncompleted for over 20 years. Beyond being environmental nuisances, such structures also pose security threats because they can serve as hideouts for criminals,” he stated.

On practical education, Ajulo proposed the relocation of the state’s College of Agriculture and Forestry from the heart of Akure to a more spacious location, arguing that the institution required larger land space for practical agricultural training and expansion.

On environmental sanitation, the attorney general warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse and violation of sanitation laws, saying the government would strengthen enforcement through collaboration between environmental agencies and the Ministry of Justice. “This will not be about harassment. It will be a structured process backed by law, planning regulations and public interest,” he added.