PDP Urges Makinde to Halt Cheshire Home Conversion Plans

In a strongly worded statement released on October 28, 2026, the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) warned Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde against any Cheshire Home conversion that would turn the historic care facility into a private estate. The declaration, signed by PDP Chairman Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso, underscores the party’s concern that such a move would compound the already‑significant challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Oyo State and across Nigeria.

Why the Cheshire Home Matters to Persons with Disabilities

The Cheshire Home in Ibadan has long served as a sanctuary for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Established in the early 1990s, it provides residential care, therapeutic services, and vocational training, operating under the umbrella of the International Cheshire Home network. For many families, the home is not merely a building but a lifeline that offers specialised support unavailable elsewhere.

Recent reports indicate that the home currently accommodates over 150 residents, many of whom rely on its medical and rehabilitative programmes. The facility also collaborates with local NGOs and the State Ministry of Health to deliver outreach services to remote communities. As such, any proposal to repurpose the site threatens to disrupt a critical safety net for a vulnerable population.

PDP’s Core Arguments Against the Conversion

Professor Akinoso’s statement outlines three principal concerns. First, the conversion would directly reduce the capacity for disability care at a time when Nigeria is striving to meet its commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Second, the move could set a precedent for other states to prioritize commercial development over inclusive public services, undermining national disability policy goals. Third, the PDP argues that the proposed private estate would likely increase land values, potentially displacing low‑income families and exacerbating urban inequality.

“We cannot allow short‑term profit motives to jeopardise the long‑term welfare of our most vulnerable citizens,” Professor Akinoso wrote. “The government must explore alternative sites for development that do not compromise essential services for persons with disabilities.”

Government’s Position and Possible Alternatives

Governor Makinde’s administration has not yet issued an official response to the PDP’s warning. However, sources close to the governor’s office suggest that the state is exploring a public‑private partnership (PPP) model to upgrade the Cheshire Home’s infrastructure while also addressing the demand for affordable housing in the rapidly expanding Ibadan metropolitan area.

Experts recommend that any PPP arrangement include clear clauses safeguarding the home’s core functions, such as maintaining a minimum number of resident beds and preserving therapeutic spaces. Additionally, the state could consider relocating the residential component to a purpose‑built facility on the outskirts of the city, freeing the central site for mixed‑use development that incorporates community amenities, green spaces, and affordable housing units.

Impact on the Wider Disability Advocacy Landscape

The controversy has sparked vigorous debate among disability rights organisations across West Africa. Groups such as the Nigerian Association of Persons with Disabilities (NAPWD) and the West African Disability Forum (WADF) have issued joint statements urging policymakers to adopt a rights‑based approach to urban planning. They stress that inclusive design should be embedded in all future development projects, not treated as an afterthought.

In Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, similar debates have emerged around the repurposing of historic care facilities. These discussions highlight a regional trend: governments are grappling with balancing rapid urbanisation against the need to protect specialised social services. The outcome in Oyo State could therefore serve as a bellwether for how African nations reconcile growth with inclusivity.

Legal and Policy Frameworks Protecting Disability Rights

Nigeria’s 2019 Disability Act, reinforced by the 2022 amendment to the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, mandates that any government‑led redevelopment project must conduct a comprehensive impact assessment and consult directly with affected communities. Failure to comply could expose the state to legal challenges under the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction.

Moreover, the African Union’s African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ratified by all member states, obliges governments to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, including access to adequate housing and health services. International donors, such as the World Bank and the European Union, also tie funding to compliance with these standards, making the legal risk of an ill‑planned conversion significant.

What Citizens Can Do: Advocacy and Community Action

For ordinary Nigerians and Africans who care about inclusive development, there are several practical steps to take. First, stay informed through reputable news outlets and civil‑society bulletins. Second, engage with local representatives by writing letters, attending town‑hall meetings, or joining advocacy coalitions that focus on disability rights. Third, support NGOs that provide direct services to persons with disabilities, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness on social media.

Collective pressure has historically yielded positive outcomes. In 2024, a coalition of Lagos‑based NGOs successfully halted the demolition of a historic school for the blind, prompting the state to allocate funds for renovation instead. Similar mobilisation could influence the Oyo State government’s decision‑making process.

Looking Ahead: Inclusive Urban Planning for 2027 and Beyond

As Nigeria aims to host the 2027 African Games and continues to attract foreign investment, the need for inclusive urban planning will only intensify. Cities like Ibadan must demonstrate that they can accommodate growth without marginalising vulnerable groups. The PDP’s warning serves as a reminder that political will, civil‑society vigilance, and robust legal frameworks must converge to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

In the coming months, stakeholders are expected to convene a multi‑sectoral forum to discuss the future of the Cheshire Home site. The outcome of that dialogue will likely shape policy precedents for disability‑inclusive development across the continent.

FAQ

• What is the Cheshire Home? It is a specialised residential and therapeutic centre for persons with disabilities, established in Ibadan in the early 1990s under the International Cheshire Home network.
• Why is the PDP opposing the conversion? The party argues that turning the home into a private estate would reduce essential services for disabled persons, set a dangerous precedent, and potentially displace low‑income residents.
• What legal protections exist? Nigeria’s 2019 Disability Act, the 2022 amendment to the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights all require impact assessments and community consultation for such projects.
• How can citizens get involved? By staying informed, contacting elected officials, joining advocacy groups, and supporting NGOs that serve the disabled community.
• What are possible alternatives to a full conversion? Options include a public‑private partnership that upgrades facilities, relocating residential services to a new site, or integrating mixed‑use development that retains care spaces.

For the full statement from the Oyo State PDP, see the Daily Post article.

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