The governor's move has sparked fears of mass eviction and alleged land grabbing.

Panic and anger have erupted in Akure, the Ondo State capital, as the state government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has begun moves to demolish over 150 residential homes occupied by civil servants. 

The governor's move has sparked fears of mass eviction and alleged land grabbing.

SaharaReporters gathered that 156 government-built homes across Phases 1, 2, and 3 of popular civil service quarters in Alagbaka had been marked for demolition, and the state government has handed the occupants letters of eviction.

The quarters, originally constructed during the administration of late Governor Adekunle Ajasin, were aimed at providing affordable accommodation for Ondo civil servants, many of whom have lived in the buildings for more than a decade.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, one of the affected occupants described the government's plan as 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,” the resident said.

“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,” he lamented.

“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 is 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,” the source said. “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.

SaharaReporters learnt that the government had begun issuing quit notices to residents without offering alternative housing or compensation despite years of tenancy and rent paid into government coffers.

Civil servants affected by the planned demolition have vowed to resist what they call an “unjust, anti-people move."

They accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of destroying the legacy of Adekunle Ajasin, who they say “respected the value of public service and worker welfare.”

“This place was not built for the rich. It was built for workers by one of the best governors Ondo has ever had. Now his legacy is being torn down for profit,” a resident said.

“Let Governor Aiyedatiwa know that we are not squatters. We pay rent. If they try to throw us out like criminals, there will be resistance.”

SaharaReporters learnt that several unions and labour groups within the Ondo civil service are already mobilising for mass action to stop the demolition.