The Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Hon. Rahaman Adepoju, has defended the council’s decision to demolish over 100 shops at the council premises, insisting that the action was carried out in line with a valid court judgment which affirmed the council’s ownership of the disputed land.
Reacting to the outcry by traders who accused the council of defying a subsisting court order and breaching an agreement, Adepoju described their claims as “a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and whip up sentiment.”
According to him, the court had already ruled that the parcel of land in contention legally belongs to the local government, and therefore, the occupants had no lawful claim to it.
“The court ruled that the piece of land belongs to the council. The present occupants are not the original allottees; they are just whipping up sentiments,” Adepoju stated.
He further clarified that contrary to the traders’ assertions, the court only directed the council to pay compensation but did not specify any particular amount, as against the N2.5 million per trader claim being circulated.
“The court asked us to pay them compensation, but it did not mention any specific amount. Their claims are exaggerated,” the chairman explained.
Earlier, the affected traders had alleged that the demolition, which took place despite a purported restraining order from the Oyo State High Court, violated their rights and destroyed their means of livelihood.
They also appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and ensure compliance with the alleged court ruling mandating payment of compensation.
The Chairman confirmed that the council had started paying compensations to the original allotee since last week urging those who are yet to be paid to come for verification without further delay.
Adepoju, however, maintained that the council’s actions were lawful and consistent with the judgment delivered, assuring that the local government would continue to operate within the ambit of the law in addressing developmental issues across the area.
