On Wednesday, the Oyo State Government initiated the demolition of numerous structures in Ibadan, targeting about 12 villages in the Ona-Ara Local Government Area. This action, which commenced at Fashade community along Circular Road on Tuesday, has raised concerns among residents. According to community leaders, including Abdulfatal Amubikan, approximately 500 houses have already been demolished, contrary to earlier assurances from Governor Seyi Makinde during a peaceful protest in January.
Amubikan expressed disappointment, noting that the governor had promised that their homes would be spared. He recounted the assurances given during their visit to the Secretariat, where Makinde pledged to address the issue within three months. However, the demolition began before the promised timeline, leaving residents feeling betrayed. Usman Ikram, another affected individual, described the experience as unexpected and devastating, emphasizing the substantial investment he had made in his home.
The demolition has particularly affected vulnerable residents like 68-year-old widow Omowumi Akintoye, who has been living in a partially completed house with her only child since 2016. She pleaded for assistance, highlighting the financial constraints that prevented her from completing her home. Other affected residents, including Abiodun Adeyemo, Sikiru Adebayo, Folake Balogun, Omolara Babalola, and Akinkunmi Jayeola, joined in appealing to Governor Makinde for intervention.
In response, the state Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akinfunmilayo, clarified that the demolition targeted structures within 100 to 150 meters of Circular Road to make way for a road project. Akinfunmilayo assured residents with genuine property documents that they would be compensated by the government. He urged affected individuals to approach the secretariat for assistance, emphasizing that the government had acquired 500 meters of space on both sides of the road for the project.
