The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has warned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against selling or allocating the land belonging to Cheshire Home in Eleyele, Ibadan, to private developers.
The organisation accused the state government of raising concerns over the management of public assets through the reported plan, calling for an immediate halt to any proposed sale or allocation of the property.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, the campaign organisation said controversies surrounding the ownership and commercial use of public properties had raised questions about the administration’s handling of assets belonging to the people of Oyo State.
SSACO argued that public properties should not be treated as personal possessions of any administration, insisting that the government holds them in trust for residents and future generations.
“Governor Makinde must understand that he is a temporary custodian of the people’s commonwealth, not its absolute owner. Public assets are not personal possessions to be disposed of at the pleasure of any administration,” the statement said.
The organisation warned that the disposal of strategically located public land could limit the state’s ability to provide essential infrastructure as Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State experience population growth and increased demand for public services.
It said land and properties currently under public ownership could be needed in the future for schools, hospitals, recreational centres, social welfare institutions and other public facilities.
SSACO questioned the rationale for transferring such assets to private interests when successive governments would require land to expand public infrastructure.
“What will be left for future generations if every strategically located public property is converted into a private estate, shopping complex or commercial development?” it asked.
The organisation urged the Makinde administration to prioritise the preservation and expansion of public assets rather than reduce the stock of properties inherited from previous administrations.
It also called for transparency, public consultation and clear justification for any transaction involving government-owned land.
SSACO demanded an immediate halt to any contemplated sale or allocation of the Cheshire Home property to private developers, adding that transactions involving public assets should be subject to strict accountability.
The organisation warned that the state government must protect Oyo State’s collective assets and avoid leaving behind questions over the management and disposal of public property.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
