Oyo State Cracks Down on Illegal Structures in Ibadan to Restore Urban Order and Safety.
A Bold Step Towards Order
In a decisive move to reclaim public spaces and ensure a safer environment for education and urban development,
the Oyo State Government has commenced the demolition of illegal structures and shanties in Ibadan.
This enforcement, backed by Governor Seyi Makinde’s Executive Order issued in 2023,
signals a new phase of urban restoration that prioritizes law, order,
and the welfare of the citizens especially school children who have long borne the brunt of encroachment around learning environments.
The Beginning: Why Sabo-Jembewon Was Targeted First
The demolition exercise officially kicked off at St. Gabriel’s Secondary Commercial School, situated in the Sabo-Jembewon area of Ibadan.
This particular location was chosen not just for the volume of illegal structures there but for the urgent safety concerns they raised.
The school, surrounded on multiple sides by ramshackle dwellings and makeshift shops, had gradually become a soft target for criminal hideouts.
According to local officials, these illegal structures served as cover for illicit activities ranging from substance abuse to petty theft
creating an environment that was both unsafe and distracting for young students.
Meet the Enforcers: A Strong Multi-Agency Presence
To enforce the demolition, a joint security task force was deployed. This team included:
Operation Burst
Nigeria Police Force
Nigerian Army
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Western Security Network (Amotekun)
Their presence was not just symbolic it was strategic.
The task force ensured that protests from occupants did not escalate into violence and that the demolition process went smoothly and peacefully.
Retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, who now chairs the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, led the operation.
Her leadership lent both legal backing and moral authority to the exercise.
Quote from the Frontline: “There’s No Going Back”
During the operation, Justice Aderemi made it clear that this was only the beginning.
“There’s no going back on shanties and illegal structure demolitions across the state,” she said.
“The Executive Order must be obeyed with strict adherence. This action is necessary and overdue.”
Her words echoed the sentiment of many residents who have silently endured the negative consequences of unregulated settlements.
A Long Time Coming: Adequate Notice Given
One of the critical elements emphasized during the exercise was that adequate notices had been issued to all the occupants of the affected areas.
According to government sources, multiple warnings and official communications had been sent, including:
Public announcements via radio and television
Direct notices pasted on structures
Engagements with local leaders
Despite these warnings, many chose to remain, hoping the government would not follow through.
But on May 9, 2025, the state showed its resolve.
Why It Matters: The Safety of Students Comes First
The presence of shanties right up against the school’s perimeter posed a real danger to students.
These structures often served as:
Hideouts for criminals
Shops selling illegal substances
Unregulated residences without sanitation
Aderemi stressed that allowing such proximity between crime-prone areas and schools was no longer tolerable.
Voices from the Ministry: Education is Being Sabotaged
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Omololu Babatola,
a representative from the Department of Planning, Research, and Statistics, said
that the government had for years battled the disruptive impact of these illegal structures on learning.
He noted,
“How can students concentrate when criminal elements are a few steps from their classroom windows?
The environment wasn’t conducive. We had to act.”
Reclaiming Ibadan: A Larger Urban Renewal Strategy
This demolition is not a standalone event. It’s part of a larger urban renewal project the Makinde-led administration is implementing to:
Enhance security in the state
Promote organized city planning
Improve public health
Boost educational infrastructure
The plan includes restoring green spaces, building better roads, and creating more conducive environments around schools and markets.
Public Reactions: Mixed Feelings in the Air
As with any bold policy implementation, public opinion remains divided.
While some residents lauded the government’s move, others expressed concerns about displacement.
Mrs. Abiola Kareem, a food vendor whose stall was affected, said,
“I understand the need for order, but I wish the government could have relocated us before demolition.”
On the other hand, Mr. Yusuf Lawal, a parent of a student at St. Gabriel’s, said,
“It’s about time. I’ve been worried about the safety of my child. This area had become dangerous.”
Legal Justification: What the Executive Order Says
Governor Makinde’s 2023 Executive Order grants the government power to enforce urban planning laws without delay in the face of recurring encroachments. It highlights:
Zero tolerance for unlawful occupancy of public property
Empowerment of a Rule of Law Authority to oversee enforcement
Provision for security support when needed
This legal framework ensures the government’s actions are not just necessary but legitimate.
What’s Next? A Statewide Sweep to Follow
Justice Aderemi confirmed that this is just the first phase.
Other hotspot areas across Ibadan and Oyo State will be targeted in the coming weeks.
The demolition team is expected to:
Move into market areas where zoning laws have been violated
Target illegal motor parks and mechanic workshops operating on state lands
Address the spread of unapproved buildings near health and educational institutions
Support Measures: What’s Being Done for Displaced Residents?
In response to growing concerns about displacement, the Oyo State Government has announced plans to:
Open temporary relocation shelters
Provide small grants to verified business owners
Help legalize structures that meet zoning criteria but were never registered
A task force has been formed to handle petitions and offer redress to those who can prove unfair treatment during the demolition.
Urban Planning Experts Weigh In
Experts in urban development say the move is long overdue.
Professor Gbenga Owolabi, an urban planning lecturer at the University of Ibadan, stated:
“The rot in Ibadan’s development structure has gone on for too long. This intervention is painful, but it’s a necessary reset.”
He added that failing to act now would mean more crime, less development, and more challenges for future administrations.
A Model for Other States?
With the operation gaining nationwide attention,
urban planners and policy watchers are calling on other Nigerian states facing similar challenges to take a cue from Oyo’s approach.
From Lagos to Kano, the issues of illegal settlements, unsafe structures, and poor zoning enforcement remain prevalent.
Could Oyo’s method be replicated elsewhere? Only time will tell.
Conclusion: Reclaiming the State, Restoring the Future
The demolition of illegal structures in Ibadan is more than just a crackdown it is a calculated,
structured attempt to reclaim Oyo State’s urban dignity.
It is about prioritizing safety, restoring the integrity of public institutions, and realigning city planning with modern realities.
While the process is undoubtedly painful for some, the long-term benefits for education, safety, and development outweigh the temporary discomfort.
With continued government commitment and public cooperation,
Oyo State may just be setting a new benchmark for responsible governance in Nigeria.
What are your thoughts on this bold move by the Oyo State Government? Should other states follow suit?
Share your views in the comments section and follow NIGPOST for more exclusive updates on development and governance across Nigeria.
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