APC Aspirant Dr. Moshood Wasiu Abiola (MOWA) Slams Governor Seyi Makinde’s Administration Over Alleged Sale of Federal Government Lands in Oyo State.
In what is fast becoming a major political and legal showdown, the Federal Government has issued a stern warning to the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde over the alleged sale and encroachment on federal lands within the state.
Through a Caveat Emptor published by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the federal housing ministry cautioned the public against purchasing or transacting on several key federal government properties located across Oyo State. The publication, signed by Dr. Shuaib M. L. Belgore, OON, NPOM, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, declared that the listed lands remain federal government property and are not for sale.
Among the affected properties are:
- The African Regional Centre for Engineering Design and Manufacturing (ARCEDEM), Iwo Road, Olodo, Lagelu LGA;
- The Federal Low-Cost Estate and Site and Services Scheme, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan;
- The Federal Housing Scheme, Saki;
- The National Strategic Grain Reserve, Iyanna Church, Ibadan;
- The Radio Nigeria Property, Bashorun, Ibadan; and
- The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) land, Alalubosa, Ibadan.
The notice warned that “any person or entity attempting to purchase, negotiate or derive title to any part of these properties will be engaging in unauthorized dealings at his or her own peril.”
Dr. Abiola Condemns Makinde’s “Land Grab” Agenda
Reacting to the development, a leading All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in Oyo State, Dr. Moshood Wasiu Abiola, has condemned what he described as a “reckless and systemic disposal of public assets” under the Makinde-led People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration.
According to Abiola, the governor’s actions have gone beyond political misjudgment and now border on “economic sabotage and a brazen assault on national interest.”
“Governor Makinde’s government has been selling public lands — including federal institutions’ properties — under the guise of development,” Abiola fumed.
“This is not just about state mismanagement; it’s a direct affront to federal authority and a betrayal of the people of Oyo State. How can any responsible government dispose of properties that belong to the Nigerian people?”
Abiola alleged that many of the state and federal lands being sold were originally reserved for national development projects, housing, and research critical assets meant to serve generations to come.
“These lands are not Makinde’s private inheritance,” Abiola continued. “They belong to Nigerians. The Federal Government’s Caveat Emptor is a clear warning this land-grabbing spree must stop.”
Oyo State’s Controversial Rejoinder Raises More Questions
Following the Federal Government’s Caveat Emptor, the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development issued a rejoinder signed by Hon. Akin Funmilayo, claiming that many of the properties listed had either been abandoned, misused, or reallocated to the state by due process.
However, the federal authorities have not confirmed any such handover or revocation of titles, raising questions about the legality of the state government’s claims and actions. Legal experts suggest that any reallocation without federal consent or gazetted approval remains null and void.
The Federal Ministry maintained that its caveat remains binding, stating that the ministry’s ownership of the properties is protected under federal law, and that “no state government has the authority to override or convert such assets without a statutory right of occupancy granted by the President or his delegate.”
Federal Action Looms
Insiders within the Federal Ministry of Housing have hinted at possible legal and administrative measures to safeguard the affected lands, which include recovery actions, revocation of illegal sales, and prosecution of those involved in unauthorized transactions.
The Federal Government’s warning has reportedly caused ripples across the Oyo real estate sector, as prospective buyers and developers now face uncertainty over lands previously advertised under state-backed programs.
Dr. Abiola has vowed to pursue the matter politically and legally, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the transactions.
“We will not stand by while public property is converted into private estates under the cover of governance,” he said. “Oyo deserves better leadership, not a liquidation of its future.”
Conclusion
As the controversy deepens, the battle lines between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government have been sharply drawn. With the APC positioning itself as the voice of accountability and due process, the Federal Ministry’s warning has reinforced the perception that the Makinde-led administration’s handling of public lands may yet become one of the defining scandals of its tenure.
For now, the message from Abuja is unmistakable:
Federal lands are not for sale and those who buy into Oyo’s “land bazaar” do so at their own peril.