The Ogun State government has reaffirmed that physical planning laws and regulations are designed to promote orderly urban development and regulate land use for the public interest, not to target law-abiding citizens.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL Tunji Odunlami, made this clarification on Monday during a press conference at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Odunlami explained that the ongoing enforcement exercise in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode local government areas is aimed at ensuring compliance with development laws, not victimizing property owners. The exercise involves verifying permits for various structures, including residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and commercial properties.
He noted that affected property owners had been duly notified to present relevant documents to the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority for verification in line with existing regulations.
“It is pertinent to note that this is a daily routine and ongoing activity of this agency and is devoid of witch-hunting, and therefore not designed to harm the interests of any individual,” Odunlami stated.
He emphasized that the process is standard practice globally and has already been implemented in Abeokuta without issues. The exercise will also extend to Ota and Ilaro, where Government Reserved Areas (GRAs) are located.
The commissioner clarified that property owners who receive notices only need to submit their permits and other required documents for verification. He cited an example, stating, “As we speak, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has yet to do so or make any representation to that effect.”
Odunlami stressed that the state government enforces physical planning laws daily across Ogun State, prioritizing legal compliance and public interest over individual identities. He added that the current enforcement notices are part of routine checks and represent only a fraction of those issued this month.
He further highlighted Section 73 of the State Physical Planning Law, which states that enforcement notices can be issued regardless of when an unauthorized development occurred.
“The law is clear—the State Physical Planning Law and all regulations under it are enforceable at any time and for all time on all developments in the State, including developments that preceded the law,” Odunlami stated.
The commissioner urged compliance, assuring that the government remains committed to transparent and lawful urban development processes.
