The property was demolished on August 14, 2026, despite Olajide’s claims of obtaining the necessary development approvals.
By Frank Ulom
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Published on November 11, 2026
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3 min read
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has ordered the immediate dissolution of the State Planning and Development Control Task Force following the demolition of a nearly completed private property by its personnel. The property was owned by Olajide Jarmane, a real estate investor.
The governor also directed the immediate suspension of further demolition activities on the affected property and ordered the payment of compensation for damages caused by the demolition.
The decision was announced in a press statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo.
Otu described the demolition as a brazen, unconscionable and reprehensible act, characterising it as an outrageous abuse of power and an indefensible assault on the rights of a citizen.
He said the conduct of the task force was incompatible with the philosophy of his administration, stressing that alleged violations of physical planning regulations could not justify lawlessness or the violation of citizens’ rights and dignity.
According to the governor, no public institution has the authority to exercise its powers in ways that undermine the rights of citizens, regardless of alleged breaches of established regulations.
Consequently, he held the task force accountable for what he described as gross failure and ordered the dissolution of the entire team.
The governor further reiterated that no individual, regardless of position or institutional authority, should exercise public power recklessly, vindictively or outside the boundaries of established law and due process.
He maintained that his administration would neither shield nor reward official misconduct, insisting that public office was a solemn responsibility rather than an instrument of intimidation or oppression.
Otu also directed government agencies to operate with discipline, restraint, professionalism and respect for the rights of the people.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens and residents, upholding justice and ensuring that accountability remained non-negotiable.
The development comes as the state government moves to reinforce accountability among public institutions and ensure that the enforcement of physical planning regulations is carried out within the limits of the law.
Daily Lamp reports that the demolished property belongs to an investor, Olajide Jarmane, in Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
The property was demolished on August 14, 2026, despite Olajide’s claims of obtaining the necessary development approvals.
Olajide moved to Calabar about 15 years ago as a technology expert before venturing into real estate after retiring from his employment at SLOT.
