Mixed reactions greeted the demolition of buildings and other structures on the Ibara-Ita-Eko-Sokori-Totoro Road, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital yesterday, which expansion contract was recently awarded by Governor Ibikunle Amosun. While some property owners commended the demolition, others condemned the exercise, saying they were not given sufficient notice and time to relocate.
It was also gathered that a property belonging to former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been marked for demolition.
The state government had in August, this year, awarded the contract for the construction of a 2.4 kilometre six-lane road in the area to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
The proposed stretch of road, awarded at a cost of N1.3 billion, will consist of median with street lights, drainage systems, sidewalk and green belt on both sides.
Yesterday, dozens of buildings and structures already marked for demolition by the state government officials were pulled down by the bulldozers and caterpillars of the construction company handling the road expansion project.
Some shop owners at the area tried to salvage their property before the bulldozers moved in.
But one of the affected landlords, Mr. Olafemi Egbodofo, faulted the demolition and accused the state government of being insensitive to the plight of property owners in the area.
Egbodofo, who claimed to be the president of Nigerian Association of Hoteliers, threatened to institute a law suit against the government which he blamed for allegedly failing to follow due process.
Speaking with reporters, however, he denied receipt of any notice about the demolition from the government.
Egbodofo said: “I just heard from the radio yesterday (Sunday) that they are starting demolition. Now, they are here, no notice to that effect; this is wickedness and not good for government we admired and we all welcome as our government.
“For the job, I am not against it but I’m only against the way it’s done. This is very barbaric and inhuman. Government should be more civilided every day and not as if an army is giving an order; they are killing people gradually.”
However, another resident, Mr. Ajose Jelil, lauded the state government’s effort in expanding the road.
Jelil advised Amosun to pay N5 million compensation to the victims of the demolition to ameliorate their suffering.
Speaking with reporters on the development, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, said the state government was already working on the compensation of the affected property owners.
Adegbite added that the state would reconstruct some of the demolished structures to prevent slum in the area.
The Nigerian Compass learnt that some of the structures that risk demolition include a building belonging to Olusegun Obasanjo which houses the branch offices of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Unity Bank and Ecobank Plc.
Also, other banks, filling stations, eateries, shops, stalls, among others, are likely to be affected in the demolition which continues tomorrow........
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