Oyo Govt Begins Clampdown on Unauthorised Estate Developers

Oyo Govt Begins Clampdown on Unauthorised Estate Developers

The Oyo State Government has commenced an enforcement drive against private estate developers operating without required statutory approvals, warning that erring developers risk sanctions under state planning laws.

The enforcement exercise, led by the State Taskforce on Tuesday, took place along the Akinyele–Iseyin axis. The Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Akin Funmilayo, said the state could no longer overlook the growing number of developers clearing sites and erecting structures without authorisation from his ministry.

Funmilayo described the trend as alarming, noting that unapproved developments threaten orderly urban growth, environmental safety, and the effective implementation of the state’s physical development policies.

He added that many of the developers under scrutiny are not known to the government, lack traceable business addresses, and have been linked to multiple complaints of illegal land-related transactions. According to him, the clampdown has become necessary to protect the public and forestall land-grabbing crises in the state.

“The enforcement exercise will help curb indiscriminate development and reinforce the ministry’s authority in regulating land use and urban development across Oyo State,” the commissioner stated.

Funmilayo advised affected estate owners and developers to regularise their titles and obtain proper planning approvals within three days of receiving their contravention notices or face full enforcement of the state’s Town and Country Planning laws.

He urged all estate developers to liaise directly with the Office of the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development for guidance and compliance procedures.

E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon. Commissioner for Information, Oyo State
November 19, 2025