Residents of three communities in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State stage a peaceful protest over an alleged plan by the state government to take over their lands and demolish their homes.
The protesters, made up of youths, elders, and community leaders, converge on the Ogun State Secretariat in Abeokuta to voice their concerns, Mediaplusng.com reports. Carrying placards with different inscriptions, they express anger and fear over what they describe as a threat to their ancestral homes and long-settled communities.
The demonstrators say the planned demolition will displace families, destroy livelihoods, and erase years of community history. They insist that they are not opposed to development but want the government to adopt dialogue, transparency, and fair compensation before taking any action that affects their homes.
According to community representatives, the affected areas have existed for decades, with many residents holding documents and traditional proofs of ownership. Mediaplusng.com gathered that the protesters accuse officials of poor communication and a lack of consultation prior to the alleged plan to demolish the communities.
During the protest, speakers take turns to address journalists, explaining that the communities have schools, religious centres, and small businesses that support hundreds of families. They warn that sudden demolition will worsen poverty and social tension in the area.
One of the community leaders, Olakunle Bodunde, says residents only hear about the planned takeover through rumours and unofficial notices. He calls on the Ogun State Government to engage directly with the communities to verify land claims and explore alternatives that will not lead to mass displacement.
Another resident, Folasade Ogunro, says many elderly people and widows living in the communities have nowhere else to go. She appeals to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene and ensure that compassion and fairness guide any development decision affecting the area.
Responding to the protesters, the Ogun State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Tunji Odunlami, assures residents that the government listens to their concerns. He says the state will carefully study the requests and grievances raised by the communities with a view to finding a humane and lasting solution.
Odunlami explains that urban development and physical planning are necessary for orderly growth but insists that the government does not intend to cause unnecessary hardship to law-abiding citizens. He urges community members to remain calm while discussions continue.
The commissioner adds that the government will review land records, planning laws, and the specific circumstances surrounding the affected communities before taking any final decision. He notes that dialogue remains the best approach to resolving disputes related to land use and urban expansion.
Observers say the protest highlights growing tension between urban development policies and community land rights in fast-growing parts of Ogun State. Obafemi Owode, due to its proximity to Lagos, has witnessed rapid expansion, increasing pressure on land and housing.
Civil society groups have also called on the government to balance development goals with social justice, stressing that forced evictions without proper engagement often lead to long-term social and economic problems.
As discussions continue, residents of the three communities say they remain hopeful that the government will listen to their appeals and protect their homes. They insist that inclusive planning, clear communication, and fair compensation are key to achieving development without conflict.
The protesters disperse peacefully after submitting their concerns, urging the Ogun State Government to act swiftly to prevent further tension and reassure residents about the future of their communities.
