CBD: Illegal squatters in Ado-Ekiti handed ultimatum to relocate

Illegal squatters in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, have been handed an ultimatum to relocate as the state government plans to build a Central Business District (CBD).

Decrying the return of hoodlums, squatters, street-traders as well as erection of makeshift shops and containers after its acquisition and payment of compensation to the land owners in the area, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement warned that a task force comprising government officials and security operatives would commence removal of the shanties and dislodge the illegal unlawful residents in the area.

“In continuation of efforts to develop the slum at Atikankan area in Ado Ekiti to a conducive environment befitting a Central Business District, the Ekiti State Government has given illegal squatters as well as owners of unauthorized kiosk and road side hawkers until Monday, 27th of January, 2025 to evacuate the area or be forced to do so,” Olatunbosun said.

Olatunbosun stressed that the government’s intention is to give the Central Business District a facelift and address the inherent challenges bedeviling the area.

He also noted that the entire area was swampy and hitherto unfit for human habitation as well as a source of security concern.

According to him, the government’s focus is to clean up the slum and upgrade the land so that the area could be used to boost business activities in Ekiti, improve environmental health in the area and generate revenue for the state.

He said that the state government has also provided enough shops and space at Agric Olope, Oja Oba and Awedele amongst others that can accommodate those affected by the relocation.

The commissioner highlighted areas of concentration for clean-up by the taskforce and enforce prohibition of street trading and illegal occupancy to include Ereguru to Aremu to Oke Ori Omi, Oke Ori Omi – Isato Oke, lsato Oke – through Isato Isale – Atikankan roundabout.

Others are the Atikankan round-about to Igbeyin, Igbeyin to Ereguru, Atikankan round-about to Ilawe Road Junction, Atikankan round-about to Ijigbo, Atikankan /Ilawe Road junction to Mushin /Ilawe Road junction and Mushin to Atikankan round-about.

He warned that owners of the marked containers, umbrellas and other temporary structures are to remove them before Monday, January 27 when total clearance of the areas mentioned will commence.

“Public Pay and Display Parking System” will be introduced for ease of pedestrian and vehicular traffic along these routes. Some of our unemployed people around these routes will be employed as a “Uniformed Parking Toll Collectors to give them a decent means of livelihood,” the commissioner said.