Residents of the Federal Housing Estate (FHE) in Obada-Oko, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, were thrown into shock following a forceful eviction exercise allegedly carried out by operatives of the Nigeria Police alongside officials of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

The operation, which reportedly took place on Friday and Saturday, saw heavily armed and masked policemen storm the estate in large numbers. Witnesses claimed the officers fired sporadically before evicting occupants from over 300 houses, leaving properties abandoned and exposed to harsh weather conditions.

According to residents, the exercise was led by the FHA General Manager, Mr. Olaniyi and the Estate Desk Officer, Alhaja Basirat Salami Olayinka.

Speaking with journalists, a retired federal civil servant and community leader, Comrade Olujide Ogunsola, condemned the action, insisting that due legal process must be followed in any eviction. He stressed that a valid court order, executed in the presence of a bailiff and other court officials, is required before such an operation can be lawfully carried out. He added that the matter is still pending before the Federal High Court in Abeokuta.

Ogunsola explained that the estate had been occupied since 2008, noting that the buildings were initially abandoned and in a state of disrepair. He said the late traditional ruler of Obada-Oko had earlier written to the Federal Government, highlighting how the neglected estate had become a haven for criminal activities.

To prevent further deterioration, the monarch reportedly encouraged civil servants, including medical doctors, military personnel, security agents and bankers, to occupy and rehabilitate the houses, with the understanding that proper arrangements would be made with the government in the future.

He added that discussions with FHA officials gave residents confidence to invest in renovating the structures, with assurances of possible “right of first refusal” should the government decide to formalise ownership.

However, the situation allegedly changed in 2014 when an agent identified as Olajide Joshua, Managing Director of Fin-Builders, approached the FHA with a proposal to take over the estate. A committee, which included Ogunsola, was subsequently set up to engage with the authority and address related disputes.

The community leader further alleged that as far back as 2010, the FHA had allocated the estate to two firms, including a United Kingdom-based company and Gidiom Title, despite the estate already being occupied. He noted that a court ruling in 2012 directed all parties to agree on a pricing arrangement.

Residents were later advised to process mortgage payments, which they claim to have been making over time. However, Ogunsola alleged that officials later denied receiving such payments, raising concerns about possible irregularities.

He also accused the desk officer and others of allegedly collecting money from prospective occupants, including Nigerians in the diaspora, without proper remittance to government accounts.

Ogunsola called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and set up an investigative panel to probe allegations of double allocation and outright sale of the estate to private entities. He stressed that fairness, justice and the protection of law-abiding residents must be ensured.

He added that the Ogun State Commissioner of Police is aware of the situation and advised residents to seek legal redress.

Affected residents are also urging agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the incident, clarify ownership of the estate and prevent further displacement pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings.

In response, the FHA General Manager stated that the houses were sold between 2019 and 2020, adding that legitimate allottees are now ready to take possession. He maintained that the current occupants are illegal residents, hence the enforcement of the eviction.

He further explained that the FHA is not funded through the Federal Government budget, noting that the agency secured a loan of N2.6 billion to develop the estate. He also claimed that the Federal High Court ruled in favour of the eviction.

“None of the current occupants have legal standing to remain unless they can present valid allocation letters from the FHA,” he said, adding that about 100 legitimate allottees who have fully paid are threatening legal action over delays in taking possession.

Reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, refuted claims that police personnel invaded the estate or carried out the eviction. He clarified that officers were only deployed to provide security during the lawful enforcement of a court order by the FHA, Abuja.

He emphasised that the police neither conducted the eviction nor acted beyond their constitutional mandate of maintaining law and order.