Land ownership overhaul: Oyo's digital Certificate of Occupancy revolution takes hold

Olusegun Olayiwola stands out as a public administrator in Oyo State, leaving a lasting impact through his service, which is marked by purposeful action, institutional reform, and people-centred governance, reflecting a consistent pattern of translating public office into tangible progress.

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His journey, spanning multiple strategic ministries, showcases his ability to drive measurable progress, with his record built over years of service offering a compelling illustration of effective governance.

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As chairman of Akinyele Local Government from 2007 to 2011, Olayiwola tackled development challenges, particularly in underserved communities, initiating interventions that improved residents' quality of life, such as providing portable water through boreholes and deep wells in over thirty communities.

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The large-scale provision of portable water had a significant impact, reducing health risks, easing the daily burden on families, and restoring dignity to communities that had long endured hardship, as seen in areas like Ikereku, which was previously associated with acute water scarcity.

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Complementing this was a focus on physical infrastructure, with the construction of twenty-two asphaltic roads under his leadership improving connectivity, linking rural settlements to economic hubs, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, and facilitating commerce, mobility, and local enterprise.

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The construction of four-block classrooms in 18 schools addressed issues of access and overcrowding, providing more conducive learning environments for pupils and laying a stronger foundation for human capital development, while the completion of the Moniya Central Mosque reflected an appreciation for community life and social cohesion.

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These early accomplishments established a governance style anchored in responsiveness and execution, demonstrating how limited resources can yield significant developmental outcomes when managed with clarity of purpose.

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Olayiwola's transition into State-level responsibilities came with heightened expectations, which he has consistently worked to meet across various Ministries, including the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, where he confronted systemic inefficiencies in land administration.

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He spearheaded the digitalisation of the process for issuing Certificates of Occupancy, simplifying procedures, reducing processing time, and enhancing transparency, thereby limiting administrative bottlenecks and informal practices, and strengthening investor confidence and contributing to a more predictable business environment.

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His introduction of land value capture mechanisms represented a forward-looking approach to revenue generation, ensuring that increases in land value translated into public revenue, and positioning the state to fund further development initiatives, underscoring a philosophy of governance that links policy innovation with fiscal sustainability.

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As Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olayiwola demonstrated his capacity to manage complex governance structures, resolving disputes within traditional institutions and facilitating the installation of over one hundred traditional rulers across the state, requiring administrative authority, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of customary systems.

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He fostered dialogue and built consensus, stabilising traditional leadership structures and reinforcing their role in community governance, while his coordination of the Joint Account Committee strengthened intergovernmental relations and improved allocation processes and accountability in public fund management at the grassroots level.

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The supervision of the completion of the Olubadan Palace reflected a commitment to preserving cultural heritage and supporting institutional continuity, demonstrating a willingness to leverage expertise in enhancing welfare outcomes and reinforcing morale within the public service.

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In the Ministry of Establishment and Training, Olayiwola's focus shifted to the internal machinery of government, particularly the welfare and efficiency of the civil service, with the automation of gratuity and pension payments addressing longstanding delays and improving transparency, ensuring retirees received their entitlements in a timely and predictable manner.

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Efforts to recruit personnel into the lower cadre of the civil service helped strengthen institutional capacity, while training programs contributed to improved service delivery, and collaborations with international partners supported retirees, reflecting a governance approach that values efficiency and human dignity.

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In the education sector, Olayiwola's contributions have been significant, with reforms aimed at restoring order and consistency within the system, including the timely conduct of Basic Entrance Certificate Examination placement examinations, providing stability for students and parents alike.

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Policies aimed at reducing distractions within schools and encouraging parental involvement in academic performance have contributed to a more structured learning environment, while efforts to improve the physical outlook of educational institutions have played a role in enhancing the overall perception of the sector.

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Across his diverse roles, a consistent pattern emerges, with Olayiwola's approach to governance defined by a balance between infrastructure development, institutional reform, and social impact, whether through the provision of water and roads, the modernisation of land administration systems, or the restructuring of educational processes.

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His work reflects a commitment to practical solutions and measurable outcomes, with the breadth of exposure across multiple sectors, combined with a demonstrated ability to deliver, positioning Olayiwola as a figure whose contributions have had far-reaching implications for governance and development in Oyo State.

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Ultimately, the story of his public service is one of continuity, growth, and sustained relevance, built not on isolated achievements, but on a sequence of interventions that have collectively improved lives, strengthened institutions, and advanced the state's development trajectory.

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Kazeem Israel writes from Ibadan, Oyo State