After 34 years since its establishment, families whose lands were acquired for the founding of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso have voiced alarm over the ongoing issue of unpaid compensation.
Initially named Oyo State University of Technology (OSUTECH) in 1990 by the military administration of old Oyo state led by Colonel Sasaenia Adedeji Oresanya, the institution was later renamed Ladoke Akintola University of Technology to honor Late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, an indigene of Ogbomoso and the last premier of the defunct Western Region. Originally jointly owned by Oyo and Osun states until 2020, when the institution was fully ceded to Oyo state.
The families, such as Ile Agunbiade of Isale Afon in Ogbomoso and the Olugbon family in Orile-Igbon, whose lands form the expansive site of LAUTECH, allege they have received no compensation since the acquisition of their lands in 1990. Engineer Simon Adeshina, speaking on behalf of the Agunbiade family, expressed frustration that all efforts to secure compensation have been in vain. Adeshina highlighted that around 15 families claim ownership of the lands and appealed urgently to both Oyo and Osun state governments for redress.
Adeshina emphasized, “My family is among the rightful owners of the LAUTECH site. This issue has persisted for decades, and we appreciate the attention journalists are now bringing to it. Our legal representatives have been consistently engaging with authorities in Ibadan. These lands are not just assets but integral to our settlements, villages, and economic livelihoods, yet we have received no compensation. We urgently call on the Oyo state governor and Osun state government to address our long-overdue compensation claims.
“Despite Osun state receiving approximately N8 billion for its share of LAUTECH’s assets, and Oyo retaining assets valued at N92 billion, we have been neglected in compensation. We urge both state governments to recognize our rightful claims and compensate us accordingly. Industry experts estimate land value constitutes a significant portion of asset valuation, suggesting our compensation should reflect this substantial loss, possibly around N15 billion, given the total asset value of N100 billion in 2020.
“We represent one of many affected families, with the Agunbiade family holding one of the largest land areas after the Olugbon family. We appeal to the public and both state governments for support in resolving this matter. Tensions are understandably high among us landowners. Our community continues to endure economic hardship, exacerbated by the lack of compensation. Our legal team has made multiple visits to the Ministry of Lands in Ibadan, yet we have not seen the justice we deserve. According to the 1978 Land Use Act, proper notice and intention to acquire land must be published, a process that was not followed in our case. While we have moved past reclaiming our land, we now seek fair and just compensation.”