Kunle Adelabu
-Commissioner urges compliance
Nine years after the exercise commenced, a 20- year Sub Regional Master Plan for Ikorodu Division, which becomes operational immediately, has been officially presented to the royal fathers and other stakeholders by the Lagos State Government.
The document, which covers between 2016 and 2036, was unveiled today at the Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town Hall, with hundreds of stakeholders in attendance.
Dr Olumide Abiodun Oluyinka, Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, presenting the document, said that the plan was in alignment with global urban planning and that henceforth, Ikorodu, which used to be known as a settlement, is now an urban society.
“The plan is all about presenting a decent environment to the people of Ikorodu, because prior to this, it has been a settlement but now, it has to be planned in line with modern developments, which is what we have now”, he said.
“It is to take care of various land use and division of all the lands so that areas marked residential are recognised as such and areas that are supposed to have drainage are also recognised for the purpose. The same for areas for recreation and agriculture, so that people can build and live according to plan”, he emphasized.
The Commissioner said that he did not expect any challenge implementing the masterplan since it was planned with stakeholders.
He also enjoined residents, especially property owners, to take advantage of the amnesty period to get government approval for their buildings.
“So far, from what we have seen, I don’t envisage any problem or difficulty in terms of implementation, because plans are in recognition of the exiting settlements and again, it falls within the period of amnesty for people that have built without approval, to forthwith do the regular thing by way of getting their building approval”, he said.
“And those that are yet to start new development will have to be guided by the plan. So, its all a win – win situation for the people and for the government”.
He, therefore, called for cooperation from the people towards thorough implementation of the sub regional masterplan.
“My expectations are that people will take it as a joint purpose. The plan is not only from the side of the government, if there are no people, there will not be government and if there is no government there will not be any need for plans”, he said.
“Now that we have government and it is ready to implement, the people on the other side too should be ready for the implementation so that we can all enjoy the comfort. Areas that are zoned as residential areas, people can get back to their houses and sleep peacefully, and not that you will be in your house and one factory or religion institution would be making noise. Those are the issues that this plan has resolved.
“To the landlords, they should get their buildings approved and the land owners should abide by the plans mapped out for them and not go against the plans”, the Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development said.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, receiving the Sub Regional Masterplan on behalf of other royal fathers in lkorodu division, thanked the Governor and members of his administratio, for ensuring that the plan becomes a reality”, Oba Shotobi said.
“We sincerely want to thank the Lagos State Government, especially the Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo – Olu, for making this master plan a reality. We have been on this journey since 2016, and it is a masterplan from 2016 to 2036.
“The Cityscape started the project as a consultant, with the then Commissioner, Hon. Salako, but unfortunately, we lost one of them, and this stalled the presentation of the plan.
“I want to thank the Governor for always making sure that he sees whatever that he started to a logical conclusion”, the royal father added.
The Ayangbure, while stating that inputs were made into the plans by stakeholders in Ikorodu, also added that the government would be informed if there is need for adjustment.
He, however, called on residents to comply with the provisions of the plans which is now a law.
“We made lots of inputs and added values to what they are presenting to us. Many town hall meetings were held, we formed ourselves into groups and we made inputs. We are still going to look into this and see if there is anything that is left out”, Oba Shotobi said.
“There are always rooms for review and go back to them and let them know what are not added. We know that we have a listening Governor, but we must comply first with what they are presenting to us today.
“Ikorodu appreciates this plan that they are giving us. We need to appreciate what the government has done, because we don’t have a masterplan all these years. On behalf of the Ikorodu Division, we want to thank Mr Governor and his cabinet members and his team for a job well done. Thank you very much and God bless”, the royal father said.
In his own royal remarks, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, commended the Commissioner for Physical Planning for the unique way that he communicated the masterplan to the people in Yoruba Language that is well understood by everyone.
He also commended the Governor, Mr Sanwo – Olu, and every Commissioner that has been part of the Ikorodu Sub Regional Plan and others.
The Adeboruwa enjoined residents of Ikorodu Division, to comply with the plans which, according to him, now has a force of law.
“Although, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu said that we will go back and examine the document very well and see if there is any need for amendment which we are going to do, but from today that this document has been presented to us, it has become law and we must adhere strictly to its provisions”, the royal father said.
“Whatever amendments that we want to make, we will do that with the agreement of the government, but we must be ready to comply with the provisions as it is, all time and I enjoined Obas and Chiefs to ensure compliance.
Oba Kasali charged the Lagos State Government, on the need to reduce the long period of time for approval to be issued and the cost of the approval, for Lagosians.
He also called for synergy between the Ministries of Physical Planing and Urban Development and Works in giving approvals to construction of drainages to prevent flooding.
Oba Ajibade Bakare, the Ranodu of Imota also aligned with the Adeboruwa’s position on the high cost of getting approval and drainage approval.
The royal father also alleged that ministry officials are issuing arbitrary approvals and called for thorough regulations.
He also called for presentations from different communities in Ikorodu Division, on the Sub Regional Master Plans.
While contributing, various stakeholders raised issues ranging from the abandoned Igbogbo – Laara road; lack of compensations for demolished properties; need for short, medium and long term implementation of the plans; reduction in cost of approval; access to the document and need to carry stakeholders along in the implementation of the Sub Regional Masterplan.
Other eminent personalities at the presentation were Oba (Dr.) AbdulHakeen Oyebo, the Obateru of Egbin, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba David Raji Balogun, the Eweye of Isiwu and Oba Moruf Ahmed Ogunnaike, the Alagura of Agura Gberigbe, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser on Rural Development, Hon. Salako, former Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Developments, Sir Ayodele Elesho, the Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, the Asipa of Ikorodu Kingdom, Aremo Adesegun Ogunlewe, former Head of Service, Lagos State, Arch. Taiwo Kara, Chairman, Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG), Sir Oluwole Odulate, KJW, General Secretary, IDRDG and Fadilat Sheikh Al-Imam Aliu Seifudeen Ayinla Ademoritan Olowo-Oribi, Grand Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division among others
