By SUNTV Global Channel
January 25, 2026
A 56-year-old retiree, Mr. Abiola Shina Olayinka, has appealed for urgent intervention after the Oyo State Government demolished his residential building, an action he says has left him homeless, impoverished, and battling severe health complications.
Speaking exclusively with SUNTV Global Channel, the distraught retiree said the house—his only major investment after retirement—was demolished on July 18, 2024, by officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, despite an ongoing land dispute already before a court of law.
“I am half dead now,” Olayinka said, fighting back tears. “My health is very critical. I lost everything I worked for.”
Life Savings Reduced to Rubble
Olayinka, who survived a near-fatal road accident years ago that nearly cost him his left leg, said chronic pain from the injuries forced him into early retirement after more than a decade of continued service.
After retiring, he invested his entire savings and gratuity into building a twin-flat, three-bedroom apartment at Irewole, Apata Estate, Ajia town, behind Ile Ode.
“I bought the land in 2018 and developed it gradually,” he explained. “I roofed it in 2020 and completed major work so my family could move in by 2022. That house was our future.”
According to him, the property was not located on government-acquired land, a road corridor, or any restricted area.
Demolition Despite Court Case
Olayinka said the land dispute between the Soko family and the Akinyele family was already in court when officials of the ministry allegedly issued a demolition notice and later carried out the exercise.
“There was no court order,” he said. “They only pasted a ministry notice on the wall. I went to the Ministry of Lands to plead, but they told me there was nothing I could do.”
He claimed he personally met the Director of the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Akinwale Akindele, as well as the Commissioner in charge of the ministry, but was allegedly informed that the demolition would proceed regardless.
On July 18, 2024, officials reportedly arrived around 11:30am and pulled down the building.
No Compensation, No Shelter
More than six months after the demolition, Olayinka says he has received no compensation or assistance from the government.
“There has been nothing—no compensation, no relief, nothing,” he said.
Now unable to afford rent, Olayinka said he and his family are currently sheltering in an uncompleted building in a neighbouring community, living under harsh and unstable conditions.
“My children and my wife are suffering. This is not how a citizen should be treated.”
Appeal to Governor Makinde
In a written appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde, Olayinka begged the state government to reconsider his case and provide relief.
“I spent all my gratuity and savings to build my house. It was demolished because of a family land dispute already in court,” he wrote.
“I am now homeless at 56 years. Please have mercy on me and save my soul.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government has not issued an official response to the claims.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to follow developments on this story.
