…Urges Gov Ademola Adeleke to Fulfil his Promise
Landlords and House Owner affected by road expansion projects in Osogbo During Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s Administration have renewed their appeal to the Osun State Government, urging Governor Ademola Adeleke to facilitate the payment of outstanding compensation for properties demolished during previous urban renewal projects.
The affected property owners, drawn from Ayetoro, Igbonna, Olonkoro, Ajegunle, Old Garage, MDS, and Olaiya communities, said they have been awaiting full compensation for several years after their houses, shops, and other structures were pulled down to make way for road construction projects initiated during the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Speaking on behalf of the affected residents, Chairman of the Landlords Association, MAO Oladejo, acknowledged the developmental benefits of the road expansion programme but expressed disappointment over what he described as the government’s failure to complete the compensation process.
According to Oladejo, many residents sacrificed valuable properties and sources of livelihood in support of the infrastructure projects based on assurances that they would be adequately compensated.
“We welcomed the road projects because they brought development to our communities. However, many of us lost homes, business premises, and other valuable assets. We were promised compensation, but years later, a large number of affected residents are yet to receive the full payments due to them,” he said.
He explained that the demolitions occurred during the construction of dual and triple-lane roads across several parts of Osogbo and its adjoining communities.
Oladejo further noted that the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola acknowledged the demands of affected property owners and commenced payment of compensation. However, he said only a portion of the approved amount was paid before the administration left office.
According to him, Governor Adeleke also pledged during his electioneering campaign to ensure the outstanding balance was settled if elected governor.
“We are appealing to Governor Adeleke to fulfil the promise made to us. We believe completing the compensation process will bring closure to an issue that has lingered for too long,” he added.
Another member of the association, Mrs. Olalonpe Adenle, urged the government to take into consideration the economic realities facing many affected families.
She argued that the compensation matter transcends political administrations, stressing that government policies and obligations should be sustained regardless of changes in leadership.
“Government is a continuum. The issue began during Aregbesola’s administration, and part of the compensation was paid under Oyetola. We are pleading with the present administration to listen to our concerns and pay the outstanding balance,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr. Agboola Isiaka of Ayetoro described the compensation as critical to the survival of many families whose livelihoods were disrupted by the demolitions.
“Some of the affected properties served as major sources of income. Their demolition created serious financial challenges for many families. We are simply asking the government to honour its commitment and complete the payment process,” he said.
Another stakeholder, Mr. Abiola Akinwumi, recalled that successive administrations had provided different explanations for the delay in settling the compensation claims.
According to him, officials of the Aregbesola administration had cited funding constraints, while the Oyetola administration commenced payment but was unable to complete the process before leaving office.
Akinwumi also claimed that representatives of the current administration had assured members of the association that the matter would be addressed if elected into office.
“We are once again appealing to Governor Adeleke to look into our plight and ensure the outstanding compensation is paid. It is a matter that affects the welfare of many families,” he said.
The affected landlords expressed optimism that the state government would give urgent attention to their request and bring a lasting resolution to the long-standing compensation dispute.
For many of the residents, the issue goes beyond financial reimbursement; it is also about fulfilling commitments made to citizens who surrendered their properties in the interest of public infrastructure development.
