The Delta State Government issued a demolition notice on Tuesday to individuals occupying government lands unlawfully, particularly those encroaching on the Dennis Osadebay University lands in Asaba.
Chief Frank Omare, the Chairman of the Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands, delivered the notice during an inspection of the affected areas in Asaba, the state capital, accompanied by committee members.
He emphasized that the government would not tolerate illegal structures built by land speculators on government lands any longer. The committee visited various areas including 74 Road, Musa Camp, and Dennis Osadebay University in Anwai-Asaba.
Chief Omare reiterated the government’s responsibility and warned illegal developers to remove valuable items from their houses before the demolition begins. He highlighted the extensive efforts made by the committee to educate land speculators about the consequences of their actions and urged investors to conduct thorough inquiries before purchasing land, emphasizing that ignorance would not be excused.
“We have given them adequate time and they know that where they have built is government land. None of these developers has Certificate of Occupancy (Cof O).
“This exercise will also be carried out wherever government lands have been encroached on across the 25 local government areas of the state,” Omare said.
Professor Ben Oghojafor, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, refuted allegations of the university selling land to developers at Musa Camp and affirmed the institution’s backing for the Committee’s endeavors to reclaim its land.
He stressed, “I have no reason, either of poverty or otherwise, induced, compelled and encouraged, to sell one meter of land belonging to Dennis Osadebay University.
“Mr Chairman, you have the full support of the university to demolish any property within the coordinates of the approved land for Dennis Osadebay University.”
Earlier, protesters representing the Iyase and Onishe families of Asaba converged on Government House, Asaba, to present their perspective on the land dispute.
Their spokespersons urged the government to permit them to reclaim a portion of their ancestral land acquired in 1954, emphasizing that demolishing established areas would leave them homeless. Honorable Johnson Erijo, the Chief of Staff at Government House, received them and expressed gratitude for their peaceful demonstration, assuring them that their request would be brought to the Governor’s attention for swift action. He emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing illegal land acquisitions and ensuring communities’ access to their rightful land.
Meanwhile, during a visit to the Nsopi area, a community representative, Mr. Ikemefuna Akpoku, commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for forming a robust team to reclaim all lands belonging to Dennis Osadebay University from encroaching land speculators. He affirmed the community’s support for the initiative and pledged to collaborate with the government in the recovery efforts.
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