The Nature and Causes of Illegal Developments in Ajoda New Town in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the nature of illegal building developments in the planned Ajoda New Town and environs in terms of types, number, ownership and spatial distribution. It also examined the causes of illegal developments, the control measures adopted and the challenges faced by the management of the New Town. Primary and secondary data were used. A questionnaire survey was conducted in eleven communities that had the highest number (1,643 (15%)) of illegal buildings in the New Town. A sample of 246 (15%) illegal buildings was adopted and structured questionnaire administered randomly to the owners of illegal buildings. Semi-structured questionnaire was also administered to the officials of the Oyo State Housing Corporation (OSHC) that managed the New Town. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that 65% of the buildings in Ajoda New Town were illegal developments built on illegally acquired land and in contravention of planning laws and zoning regulations. Non-payment of compensation to and non-relocation of people whose lands were acquired and weak enforcement of development control regulations by the OSHC caused the illegal developments. The study concluded that uncompensated inadequately compensated people contributed to the illegal building development in Ajoda New Town. Provision of adequate compensation and resettlement of the settlers; effective development control; and the re-creation of former Ajoda New Town Property Development Corporation were strategies recommended to address identified challenges.