NITP President Seeks Alafin’s Support on Town Planning Law Domestication in Oyo

Our Reporter 

The National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), TPL Dr. Chime A. Ogbonna, has called on the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Hakeem Owoade, to support efforts aimed at ensuring the domestication of the Urban and Regional Planning Law in Oyo State and other states across the federation.

Ogbonna made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the royal father as part of activities marking his two-day working visit to Oyo State, where he stressed the importance of strengthening urban planning frameworks to address growing environmental and developmental challenges.

According to him, giving due attention to the domestication of the Urban and Regional Planning law would provide a practical solution to numerous urban problems confronting the country.

The NITP President highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between traditional institutions and professional town planners to improve environmental standards and ensure sustainable development across communities.

He warned that societies lacking structured development plans often descend into disorder, noting that planning remains fundamental to orderly growth and national progress.

Ogbonna further appealed to the Alafin to leverage his royal influence and connections to facilitate the smooth passage of the Urban and Regional Planning (URP) bill through the Oyo State House of Assembly and support efforts toward securing the governor’s assent when passed.

He also underscored the need for the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive Oyo Town Master Plan, describing it as critical for guiding orderly development of towns and cities within the state.

The NITP President additionally called for the recruitment of more town planners to address manpower shortages currently affecting zonal town planning offices across Oyo State.

As part of his engagement, Ogbonna extended an invitation to the monarch to attend the institute’s forthcoming 60th anniversary celebration as one of its distinguished royal fathers.

Responding, the Alafin welcomed the NITP President and recalled that Ogbonna had previously served in Oyo during his National Youth Service Corps programme about four decades ago.

The monarch appreciated the visit and pledged to use his influence and position to support the domestication of the planning law in the state.

He also assured the delegation of his intention to attend the institute’s national conference scheduled to hold later this year in Lagos.

Members of the delegation to the palace included the National Secretary, chapter chairman, fellows of the institute, state executive committee members and council members, among others.