The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has called on Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, to halt alleged plan to sell the Cheshire Home land in Eleyele, Ibadan, to private property developers.
Alli alleges plan to sell Cheshire Home Land
It described the alleged plan as a cause for concern, warning that the conversion of public properties to private commercial use could undermine the state’s ability to preserve land for future public infrastructure and social services.
SSACO made its position known in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, who questioned the management of public assets under the Makinde administration.
It argued that recurring controversies surrounding the ownership, allocation and commercial development of public properties has raised questions about the government’s responsibility to protect assets held in trust for the people of Oyo State.
“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 read.
SSACO maintained that public properties acquired, developed or preserved by successive administrations should not be transferred to private interests without transparency, public consultation and compelling justification.
It stressed that strategically-located public land in Ibadan and other parts of the state represented a valuable inheritance that should be preserved for future generations, particularly amid population growth and rising demand for public infrastructure.
The campaign organisation questioned the rationale behind disposing of such properties when the state would continue to require land for schools, hospitals, recreational centres, social welfare institutions and other essential public services.
“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.
According to the organisation, the government should prioritise the expansion of public infrastructure, rather than reduce the stock of public assets inherited from previous administrations.
It warned that the disposal of public properties without adequate accountability could leave the state with fewer resources to meet future development needs and unresolved questions about the management of its collective wealth.
The organisation consequently demanded an immediate halt to any contemplated sale or alleged allocation of the Cheshire Home land to private developers.
“Oyo State belongs to its people, and its collective inheritance must be protected,” it was added in the statement.
SSACO further called for all transactions involving public assets to meet the highest standards of transparency and accountability, insisting that decisions concerning such properties must prioritise the long-term interests of residents.
