Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration in Ondo State has initiated plans to demolish the state-owned Alagbaka staff quarters in Akure, the state capital.
Thefrontrank reports that the planned demolition will render over 156 civil servants in the state homeless.
The houses, located in Alagbaka’s civil service quarters, have been occupied by civil servants for over 40 years.
The houses built during the administration of the late Governor Adekunle Ajasin, were to provide affordable housing for state workers.
Sources said the government has issued eviction notices to the occupants, many of whom have lived in the quarters for over a decade.
The affected quarters are Phases 1, 2 and 3 with residents now facing forceful eviction by the government.
Several occupants have expressed shock and frustration, accusing the government of betraying them and undermining the legacy of Governor Ajasin, who had prioritised workers’ welfare.
One of the affected occupants told SaharaReporters that the government’s plan was an act of betrayal.
“We have Phase 1, 2, 3 with 156 homes, excluding government offices at the quarters. It was built by Papa Adekunle Ajasin.
“His aim was to solve the issue of lack of accommodation for civil servants. The houses are being occupied by state workers.
“Some people have been here as long as 15 years. Government is our landlord, and we pay monthly, depending on the size of the flat.
“But now, the same government is trying to demolish all these houses. They want to render 156 families homeless. These are people that are using their sweat to serve the government.
“All the quarters have been marked for demolition, and the occupants are about to be ejected. We have been issued a letter to that effect,” he added.
Another source familiar with the development told SaharaReporters that the demolition was part of a larger land-grab plot by powerful government officials who see the prime land in Alagbaka as a “goldmine.”
“The SSA to the governor on infrastructure is the one spearheading this. You know the deal is for them to demolish these buildings and then sell the land to themselves.
“Alagbaka is a hot place, the center of attraction in Akure. Lands are very expensive there. All the areas have been acquired by the high and mighty, so the remaining places were the quarters. Now they want to force us out to convert it to luxury property,” the source said.
The state government’s actions have raised concerns of potential land grabbing, with some alleging that powerful officials see the Alagbaka area as a lucrative location for redevelopment.
Civil servants affected by the planned demolition are lamenting that the action could leave many families homeless.
Unions and labour groups within the civil service are reportedly organising resistance against the demolition.
Despite years of rent payments and long-term tenancies, the government has not provided alternative housing or compensation.
This has further angered residents, who argued that they should not be treated like squatters, given that they have paid rent to the government for their accommodation.
