Matilda Omonaiye/
The Sidipon community in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State is raising concerns over a recent government-led demolition of their security gate, warning that it leaves them vulnerable to criminal attacks.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the demolition, spearheaded by officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has exposed the six villages within the community—Okepa, Moko, Solotan, Sarogun, Sajon, and Ijebu—to potential threats from marauders, according to local leaders.
With a population of over 4,000 residents, the community spokesperson, Akeem Sofela, representing the Baale-in-Council, alleged that the demolition was carried out without prior notice. Sofela stated that the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Tunde Olugbewesa, led the operation alongside armed policemen, who used an excavator to destroy the security gate. The officials claimed the land was part of a government acquisition, despite earlier concessions made to the community.
“Early this morning, we saw officials from the Ministry of Urban Planning arrive with an excavator and armed police officers. They pulled down our security gate without any prior notice, leaving us exposed to criminals,” Sofela told journalists. “This land was previously conceded to us, and now the same government is demolishing our property.”
Sofela explained that the gate was constructed to address rising crime in the area, following a series of thefts and robberies.
“We built the gate after numerous cases of thefts and robberies. The gate was our line of defense, but now, we are completely exposed,” he said.
He further noted that the community had previously engaged the Ogun State Government in discussions about land disputes and development plans. However, despite submitting a ratification application and undergoing a lengthy process with the Ministry of Physical Planning, the government has not acted on the community’s requests. “It has been five years since we applied for ratification, and the Ministry has remained silent, ignoring our plight,” Sofela said.
The Community Development Association (CDA) also raised suspicions of a clandestine plot by top government officials to allocate the land to a private group. According to Sofela, in 2022, the government demolished over 50 buildings in the area, which sparked protests.
“We believe certain government officials are interested in this prime land and are using underhanded methods to take it from us,” he said.
Residents are now living in fear, with their security gate demolished and no government protection in place.
“The demolition of the security gate puts our lives at risk. We call on Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene and restore security to our community,” the Baale-in-Council pleaded.
In response, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tunji Odunlami, confirmed the demolition, stating that the community had been served the required statutory notices, which they ignored. “The enforcement was carried out after due diligence, following the expiration of the notices. These were illegal structures,” Odunlami said.
As tensions rise, the community hopes for a swift resolution and government intervention to address their safety concerns before the situation escalates.
