The Ondo State Government has signalled plans to enforce urban development regulations that could compel owners of abandoned and undeveloped properties in major cities across the state to either develop them or risk government intervention.
The 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.
Ajulo said the government was concerned about the increasing number of abandoned and deteriorating structures in strategic parts of the state, particularly within Akure metropolis, noting that many of the buildings had remained undeveloped for decades.
According to him, such structures no longer fit into the government’s vision of transforming Ondo into a modern and economically viable state.
“There are properties in strategic locations that have remained abandoned for over 20 or 30 years. Some are overgrown with weeds, uncompleted and gradually becoming eyesores within the city,” he said.
The attorney general explained that owners of such buildings would be encouraged to either develop the properties or release them for redevelopment in the overriding public interest as provided under existing urban planning laws.
He stated that the government was already compiling title documents and reaching out to affected property owners as part of formal notices and engagement processes.
Ajulo noted that abandoned buildings not only constitute environmental nuisances but also pose security threats because they could serve as hideouts for criminals.
He added that the state government was determined to modernise major cities such as Akure, Ondo, Owo, Ore, Ikare and Okitipupa through structured urban planning and enforcement of development regulations.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government had commenced moves to fully digitise and computerise land administration to improve monitoring, documentation and compliance with physical planning laws.
He referenced an executive order earlier signed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, which mandates strict adherence to urban development and physical planning regulations for new structures across the state.
Ajulo further suggested the possible relocation of the state-owned College of Agriculture and Forestry from Akure, arguing that the institution required a larger environment suitable for practical agricultural training and expansion.
According to him, institutions focused on agriculture should ideally operate on thousands of hectares of land to support farming activities, research and innovation.
“An agricultural institution situated within the heart of a growing city may eventually face limitations in carrying out practical training effectively because of inadequate space,” he said.
The attorney general revealed that the state government would collaborate with relevant federal agencies and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Renewal to review and implement updated masterplans for major cities across the state.
He assured residents that enforcement of urban development laws would follow lawful procedures and would not be arbitrary.
“This exercise is not about intimidation or harassment. It will be a structured process guided by law, public interest, planning regulations and stakeholder engagement,” Ajulo added.
Speaking on environmental sanitation, the commissioner commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for efforts aimed at maintaining a cleaner and more organised capital city.
He, however, warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, defacing public infrastructure and violating environmental laws.
Ajulo said environmental officers and sanitation agencies were being strengthened to ensure strict compliance with sanitation regulations, adding that offenders would face prosecution where necessary.
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