Residents ofOlosa-Oko, Alabata, Ajibade Akuro and environs in Akinyele Local Government Area, yesterday, stormed the Oyo State Government Secretariat Complex, in protest against alleged government plan to demolish their houses and take over their land.

The protesters decried plan to use the land and houses to develop a business district in the area.The protest led to traffic snarls in the adjoining streets of the secretariat.

The protesters, who carried placards of various inscriptions, claimed two persons had died due to complications arising from the plan to demolish their houses.

The leader of the protesters, Mr. Seriki Kazeem, said: “We are here to protest Oyo State Government’s plan to demolish our houses. They want to use it for a business district.

“Our houses are not on government acquisition. They should change the plan. Government can use other pieces of land for development. There are other (parcels) lands. We are not against development in Oyo State. There are buildings worth over N10 million, N70 million and above. They should leave us alone. They have not finished using the land they acquired. We learnt they want to sell the land among themselves. Two landlords have died because of the matter.”

Also, one Isaq Abdulakeem said he built three houses in the community. He threatened that if government refused to rescind the plan, the government would not be able to handle the consequences.

The Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya, said the matter was already before the State House of Assembly. He added that he had met with the Baale of the community on the matter.

(Courtesy The Guardian)