What is a C of O?

A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is a legal document issued by the government that confirms a person’s right to occupy and use a parcel of land for a specified purpose. It serves as proof of ownership and is essential for securing loans, transferring property, and protecting against disputes.

C of O Eligibility Criteria

Individuals, companies, or organizations that own land in Oyo State are eligible to apply for a C of O. This includes those who have acquired land through purchase, inheritance, or allocation by the government.

Required Documentation

To apply for a C of O, applicants must provide:

• A formal application letter addressed to the Director of Lands, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

• Duly completed application form.

• Proof of ownership (e.g., deed of assignment, purchase receipt).

• Survey plan prepared by a registered surveyor.

• Tax clearance certificate for the past three years.

• Two recent passport photographs.

• Means of identification (e.g., national ID, driver’s license).

• Utility bill or proof of address.

• Land information certificate from the Lands Registry.

• Photographs of the property.

• Sworn affidavit of ownership.

• Evidence of payment of ground rent or previous title, if applicable.

—

Application Procedure

1. Application Preparation: Gather all required documents and fill out the application form.


2. Submission: Submit the application to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.


3. Site Inspection: Officials will inspect the property to verify details.


4. Survey Charting: The survey plan is charted to ensure the land is free from encumbrances.


5. Land Use Assessment: The property’s intended use is assessed.


6. Payment of Fees: Applicants pay the assessed fees into the designated government account.


7. Legal Documentation: The legal team prepares the draft C of O.


8. Executive Approval: The Governor signs the C of O, making it legally valid.


9. Collection: Applicants are notified to collect their C of O from the Ministry.

This may be done online. Follow this link for guidance on how to do this.

Processing Timeline

The entire process typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on the completeness of the application and government workload.

Act now and get your C of O

Securing a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in Oyo State is a vital step for any landowner. This legal document not only affirms your ownership but also protects your property from disputes and enhances its market value. With a C of O, you can confidently use your land as collateral for loans, transfer ownership, or develop it without legal hindrance