Ondo Govt Threatens Takeover of Abandoned Buildings in Urban Renewal Push

The Ondo State Government has warned owners of abandoned buildings across the state to immediately develop their properties or risk losing them to government acquisition under existing urban planning laws.

The warning was issued on Thursday by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo as the state unveiled plans for a broad urban renewal and city redevelopment initiative.

In a statement released in Akure, Ajulo said the government was particularly concerned about the growing number of neglected structures occupying strategic economic locations within major cities across the state.

He noted that many of the abandoned buildings, especially within Akure metropolis, had remained undeveloped for decades and now constitute a setback to the state’s urban transformation agenda.

“There are buildings in this city that have remained in the same condition for over 30 years. Such structures do not complement the developmental strides going on in the state,” Ajulo stated.

According to him, property owners would be required to either complete and develop their buildings, voluntarily surrender them for redevelopment by investors or face possible government intervention in line with provisions of the Land Use Act and physical planning regulations.

Ajulo explained that the state government’s reform programme also includes the full digitisation and computerisation of land administration systems to improve monitoring, documentation, planning and regulatory compliance.

He referenced the Executive Order signed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in 2025, which mandates strict adherence to physical planning and development control regulations for all new and existing structures within the state.

The commissioner stressed that the administration’s goal extends beyond protecting land ownership, adding that government is focused on building modern urban centres capable of supporting economic growth and investment.

“Akure, Ondo, Owo, Ore, Ikare-Akoko, Okitipupa and other cities cannot remain in their old settings,” he said.

“Deliberate efforts must be made for Akure to sustain its developmental pace and evolve into a first-class urban economy.”

Ajulo added that owners of abandoned residential and commercial properties located along major roads and within key city centres should prepare for engagement with government officials.

“Owners of abandoned properties located along major roads and within Akure metropolis, whether commercial or residential, must be prepared to either develop such structures or relinquish them to the government for proper urban redevelopment,” he warned.

He also emphasised that the Land Use Act empowers governors to acquire land for overriding public interest, provided due process and compensation requirements are observed.

The commissioner disclosed that the state government has already compiled records and title details of several affected properties as part of formal warning and engagement procedures.

Beyond property development, Ajulo urged residents to support the state’s environmental sanitation and beautification efforts by maintaining proper waste disposal and respecting public infrastructure.

He warned that indiscriminate dumping of refuse, defacement of public facilities and violations of environmental regulations would attract strict sanctions and enforcement actions.

The proposed urban renewal initiative is expected to reshape major commercial and residential districts across Ondo State as the government intensifies efforts to modernise infrastructure and attract new investment.