Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Sir Charles Titiloye, has dragged the state government to court over what he described as a targeted attempt to demolish his privately-owned residence in Alagbaka GRA, Akure.
Titiloye, who said he was baffled by the government’s decision, disclosed that his house at Plot 8, Alagbaka GRA is the only building marked for demolition within the vicinity, raising questions about the motive behind the action.
Speaking with journalists, the senior legal practitioner insisted he legally acquired the land through proper channels, with all documentation — including a Certificate of Occupancy — duly issued.
“All of us followed due process to acquire land in the area. It was designed by the Surveyor General. I applied for it and it was granted. That property belongs to me for the next 99 years. The land is not government land,” he said.
Titiloye emphasized that his property is not situated within the cluster of 69 bungalows designated as government staff quarters, which the state reportedly plans to demolish and redevelop.
He lamented the lack of prior notification before the property was marked for demolition. “There was no letter, no notice. It is as if I was there illegally,” he added.
In response to the development, Titiloye has filed a suit at the Ondo State High Court, seeking to restrain Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other government officials from going ahead with the demolition.
In the writ of summons, he asked the court to declare the planned demolition as an act of undue harassment, intimidation, and an unlawful disturbance of his peaceful enjoyment of the property. He is also demanding N300 million in general and exemplary damages for what he described as a violation of his rights.
The former Attorney-General further alleged that government agents trespassed on his property and marked its frontage with red paint, without following any due legal process.
He is seeking an order of perpetual injunction against the Governor of Ondo State, the Attorney General, Commissioner for Lands, and the state government — including their agents and assigns — from taking any step to demolish his home where he currently resides with his family.
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