Amnesty For Illegal Property Owners As Oyo Govt. Begins Online Registration

By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve has come for property owners in Oyo State as government has commenced a 60-day Online Building Permit Amnesty (OYBPA) programme, to enable them regularize buildings that were constructed without proper government approval.

OYOBPA programme kick started officially on Monday and ends on the 27th October.

The programme will also allow  those in violation of building regulations in the state to regularize and process new approvals within this 60-days window.

The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, disclosed this on Monday, in Ibadan.

Mr. Akin-Funmilayo pointed out that the scheme is in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s transformation and sustainable development agenda, designed to enable the government to improve urban planning and enhance the security and safety of lives and properties within our dear state.

He added that the government has also approved that property owners can now get or regularize their building permits within the sixty (60) days amnesty period at a 20 percent discounted rate.

“This is to allow the good people of Oyo State to get their building permits faster, easier, and cheaper as the government will embark on massive enforcement of building permits after the amnesty period.

“This amnesty period lasts for 60 days, and it is advised that all property owners, residential, commercial, industrial, educational, health facilities, etc. within the state, who have no building permit and have engaged in unauthorized development or are currently planning to commence development should harness this opportunity.”

In a statement, the state commissioner for information, Fotun Oyelade, explained that the OYBPA, which is majorly an online process, will enable property owners to process their permits without falling victims to touts and middlemen.

He gave the guarantee of property owners getting an authentic permit, which will prevent any further interference by the authority as regards their development as long as they adhere to the provisions of the approval.

Application process for the amnesty period has started online across the 33  local governments.

“At the end of these exercise, an amnesty certificate will be issued to all who took advantage of this opportunity.

“In the same vein, we therefore plead with member of the public and our directors of zonal planning authorities to strictly adhere to the principle of granting building permit in the State.”

There However an exception to the amnesty as properties illegally occupying state government acquisition zone; properties within the circular road or circular road set back; properties directly under the power line zone; properties within the disallowable proximity to dam, stream will not be granted amnesty.

Also those built on the road; within pipeline setback; and properties under Court / financial crimes matters will not be granted amnesty.

He said this scheme, like every other Seyi Makinde initiative, promises to be great, seamless, and a worthwhile investment for the good people of Oyo State.

He said, “Let’s support the government to make Oyo State better, safer, and more viable.”