ABEOKUTA– No fewer than 15 communities in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, have expressed distress over an alleged demolition of their villages and acquisition of their land by the state government.
The communities which according to the villagers is over 300 years was excised by former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration, saying that this sudden development is disheartening despite the case still in court.
Speaking with newsmen, weekend, the Baale of Ogunro, Chief Olakunle Bodunde, expressed shock that the present administration is bent on taking the remaining part of the community for an estate development, while rendering members of the community homeless.
“We have taken significant steps to address this issue. We had meetings with the government, and now the matter is in court.
“We have served them, and the government has been notified, but they are not showing up in court, and now they have come to paste demolition notices on our buildings.
“We want things to be done with due process. The court has not made a pronouncement yet”, he said
Also speaking, Chief Oludare Salako, the Baale of Itori Mogan, said the communities have different ancestral gods which according to him cannot be relocated, saying that forceful eviction could spell danger.
He added that the documents excising the communities from acquisition is still within reach of the state government, and should be followed to the letters.
“We want Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, as we believe he may not be aware of these alleged ‘landgrabbers’ in his government. We want him to look critically into the matter and stop their actions”, he added.
Meanwhile, the Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the villagers to engage in dialogue with the government and be hopeful
“If you have a right, no government will stop you from exercising your right. So my advice is to dialogue.
“We have signed pacts with the present government on some particular land and villages. Go there, visit the office, and make inquiries. Why again are they trying to take back the land”, he queried
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Olatunji Odunlami was however not reachable as at the time of filing this report
