Mr. William Funmilayo
Hon. Commissioner for Lands and Housing
Ministry of Lands
Oyo State
Appreciation Letter
Dear Sir,
I write with a heart full of gratitude to express my sincere appreciation for the selfless assistance you rendered to me throughout the process of securing the Certificate of Occupancy for my new building at my family house in Yemetu-Oje, Ibadan.
This is the first time I have applied for a document from either a Federal or State institution without paying a bribe.
When I bought the property from the family that sold it to me, my greatest fear was how much I would be asked to pay as a bribe before I could perfect my documents.
I once confronted a popular Alhaja, a civil servant, who demanded Thirteen Million Naira as a bribe to perfect one of my property documents during the late Governor Ajimobi’s administration.
It got to a point where I had to escalate the matter to the governor himself.
I do not know whether the same Alhaja is still on the payroll of the Oyo State Government or whether she has been removed.
You turned what could have been a long and frustrating wait into a meaningful experience, and for that, I am truly grateful.
You have proven once again that honesty is the best policy. Your transparency, calmness, and integrity throughout the entire process touched me deeply, and I will never forget it.
Thank you for always remaining true to yourself and for carrying the honour of your family with dignity and pride. It is a rare quality, and it reflects in everything you do.
Life has taught me an important lesson: “Soldiers come and soldiers go, but the office remains.”
Yet what truly gives meaning to any office is the character of the person occupying it—and you have shown exceptional character.
The position you hold, and the ministry you oversee, are among the most important and sensitive in Oyo State. I humbly appeal to you to continue double-checking documents and ensuring that due process is followed before you append your signature. Your caution and integrity are part of what make you stand out.
Please remain mindful of sycophants and be careful with advice from civil servants. Many wear two faces, and not everyone has pure intentions.
I pray that God grants you greater wisdom, strength, and divine protection throughout your tenure as the Oyo State Commissioner for Lands. And when a higher calling or greater responsibility arises, may you be found more than worthy.
Amen.
Mogaji Wole Arisekola
Publisher, The Street Journal Newspaper
N4/534
Yemetu-Oje
Ibadan
