Tension is brewing in Akure, Ondo State, as Governor Rotimi Aiyedatiwa has recently marked 156 houses for demolition, sparking protests and concerns among residents. The controversial move has left many families in distress, with fears of losing their homes and livelihoods.
The affected properties are located in various neighborhoods across Akure, the state capital, and include both residential and commercial structures. According to government officials, the demolitions are part of an ongoing urban renewal project aimed at improving infrastructure and addressing environmental concerns in the region. However, local residents and property owners are expressing outrage at what they describe as a heavy-handed approach to urban planning.
The decision, which was announced last week, has led to widespread outcry, with many questioning the necessity of demolishing homes in the midst of a housing crisis. Local community leaders and activists have called for dialogue and alternative solutions to address the state’s infrastructural challenges without displacing residents.
A spokesperson for the Ondo State government explained that the demolition was part of an effort to address issues such as flood control, road expansion, and the elimination of illegal structures. "This initiative will provide long-term benefits, including better drainage systems and improved road networks," the spokesperson said. "While we understand the concerns of the residents, the project is essential for the overall growth and development of Akure."
However, for many residents, the news has come as a devastating blow. Some have lived in their homes for generations, while others have invested their savings in properties that are now being marked for destruction. Several residents have called for a more transparent consultation process and compensation for those who will be displaced by the demolitions.
"We feel abandoned by the government," said Mrs. Titi Adebayo, a local business owner whose property is slated for demolition. "My family and I have invested everything here, and now we’re being told to leave without any support or consideration for our future."
The protests have been growing in intensity, with several groups organizing marches and calling for a halt to the demolitions. Social media platforms have also been flooded with posts from concerned citizens urging Governor Aiyedatiwa to reconsider the decision and find a way to accommodate the needs of both the residents and the city's development goals.