A dispute between Kwara State residents and Sammya Nigeria Limited, an estate developer, has intensified over a piece of land in Budo-Osho, Tanke area of Ilorin. The residents recently protested at the Kwara State Government House and the state’s Bureau of Land, alleging that the company had taken over their properties and demolished buildings. The protest was sparked by the company's claim of ownership of a large expanse of land.
Sammya Nigeria Limited has denied allegations that it demolished buildings at Budo-Osho, Tanke, Ilorin, on the orders of the Kwara State Government. In a statement, the company said it acquired the land from the Kwara State Government in 2018 and holds three Certificates of Occupancy covering three locations: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3. The company claims to have obtained approval for the estate layout.
According to Olatunji Idowu, General Manager of Sammya Nigeria Limited, the company approached the Bureau of Lands two months ago to identify and mark structures encroaching on its titled land. The Bureau of Lands carried out the exercise and submitted a land encroachment report to the company. Idowu stated that some individuals who occupied portions of the titled land without proof of ownership were informed that they had encroached on legally titled property.
Idowu explained that some individuals who allegedly occupied portions of the titled land attempted to disrupt the company's construction activities. The company submitted a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, and invited community leaders to address the situation. The community leaders were advised not to disrupt the company's operations and to channel any grievances through the appropriate government authorities.
Despite the company's efforts to engage with the community, some individuals reportedly returned to the site to disrupt operations. However, security personnel present at the location prevented them from doing so. On Saturday, the same individuals allegedly returned to the site and began destroying sections of the company's perimeter fence.
Idowu emphasized that the demolition exercise was not carried out on the orders of the Kwara State Government. He stated that the company is the developer of the estate and has obtained approval for the estate layout. The structures affected by the demolition were allegedly encroaching on the company's titled land.
The dispute between Sammya Nigeria Limited and the Kwara State residents highlights the challenges of land ownership and development in the state. The company's claim of ownership of the land, supported by Certificates of Occupancy, has been disputed by the residents. The situation remains tense, with both parties seeking to assert their claims to the land.
Key points
- Sammya Nigeria Limited acquired the land from the Kwara State Government in 2018.
- The company holds three Certificates of Occupancy covering three locations.
- The dispute highlights the challenges of land ownership and development in Kwara State.
