On Wednesday, the Oyo State Government initiated a demolition operation in Ibadan, the state’s capital, resulting in the destruction of numerous structures. Tuesday’s demolition at Fashade may impact 12 Ona-Ara villages.
The communities affected include Fashade, Aba Osho, Igbalefa, Adigbe, Badeku, Akamo, Alase, Ojoku, Dare, Isase, Oleke Meji, and Ogido, all within the Local Government Area. Wednesday’s report from our correspondent featured Abdulfatal Amubikan, a community leader, stating authorities had demolished roughly 500 houses.
The demolition came as a surprise to the residents. During a peaceful protest to the Secretariat in January, the governor personally assured them that authorities would not demolish their houses. The residents had informed him about the notices posted on their houses by the Ministry of Lands. The governor had promised not only to refrain from demolishing their houses but also to discuss the matter with the Commissioner for Lands and revert in three months. However, the government began the demolition before the end of the three-month period.
Residents anticipated the three-month term to conclude in April, intending to reconvene with the governor to address his commitment. The governor had also assured them that the government would compensate the affected residents. Despite this, authorities have demolished about 500 houses from Tuesday to Wednesday, and they are still continuing the demolition exercise.
Usman Ikram, another victim, was not at home when the demolition began. A neighbor informed him that his house was being demolished. He had neither prayed for nor expected this experience. Despite the situation, he thanked God, acknowledging that God is aware of everything.
The incident made him realize the transience of life, despite the large amount of money he had invested in his property. He appealed to the government to reconsider its decision, as the residents have nowhere else to go.
Omowumi Akintoye, a 68-year-old widow, also appealed to the government and the governor for assistance. She has been living in the area since 2016 and has been managing with her only child in the single room she built. She has not been able to complete the house due to financial constraints.
Other residents, including Abiodun Adeyemo, Sikiru Adebayo, Folake Balogun, Omolara Babalola, and Akinkunmi Jayeola, also appealed to Governor Makinde for assistance.
Commissioner Akinfunmilayo confirmed demolition of structures near Circular Road. He clarified that for the road project, the government had acquired 500 meters of space on both sides. He added that the government would compensate landlords who had genuine documents.
Akinfunmilayo stated that the situation had affected just over 50 houses. He noted that some residents had started to remove the iron sheets even before the team’s arrival. Akinfunmilayo: Buildings within 100-150m of Circular Road affected, not 500 houses. He advised those with genuine documents to visit the secretariat for compensation from the government.
