I Did Not Authorise Sale Of Agboro Dumpsite, Govt Land In Ikirun – Okanlawon
Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Hassan Okanlawon, has denied allegations that he authorised the sale of the council’s refuse dumping site located at Agboro Community, Ikirun.
Okanlawon made the clarification in a rejoinder issued in response to a letter titled “Request for Clarification and Accountability on the Sale of Ikirun Refuse Dumping Land at Agboro Community,” written by the National Ikirun Progressive Union (NIPU) Northern States Council.
OSUN DEFENDER had in its last edition reported that the letter signed by NIPU Northern states Council Secretary, Abdelhafeez Ishaq, stated that the absence of a designated dumping site has exposed the town to blocked drainage systems, air pollution from indiscriminate burning of waste and rising health risks.
It also alleged that the land was sold by Alhaji Kamorudeen under the justification that the area had been developed and that waste disposal activities were negatively affecting residents.
Describing the allegation as misleading, the council boss stated that at no time during his tenure, either as Caretaker Chairman or as Executive Chairman, did he sell or approve the sale of the Ifelodun Local Government dumpsite.
According to him, the Agboro area, previously used as a refuse dumping site, had become surrounded by residential buildings, posing serious environmental, health and safety risks to residents.
He explained that the decision to discontinue the use of the site was taken in line with professional advice and urban planning standards, leading to its conversion into government-approved schemes in the public interest.
Okanlawon stressed that the conversion of the site did not involve any personal or private gain, adding that he neither sold government land nor authorised any illegal transaction concerning the property.
He further disclosed that, contrary to claims that no alternative dumping site was provided, his administration acquired a new parcel of land measuring several acres at Ago Ajuna, within the Akeremewe Families’ Farm, specifically for refuse dumping purposes.
On issues relating to land sale, allocation, and documentation, Okanlawon clarified that all lands belonging to Ifelodun Local Government are government assets and not the personal property of the Executive Chairman.
“I want to make it abundantly clear that I did not, at any time, sell or authorise the sale of any government land in Ifelodun Local Government. Such allegations are completely false and do not reflect the reality of what transpired.
“The decision to discontinue the Agboro dumping site was taken strictly on environmental and public health grounds, as the area had become fully residential and posed serious risks to the lives and well-being of our people.
“Contrary to the narrative being pushed, my administration proactively acquired an alternative dumping site at Ago Ajuna, which was approved and already in use before I exited office. This shows our commitment to responsible waste management.
“I remain open to transparent and lawful scrutiny, but I strongly urge individuals and groups to channel their inquiries through the appropriate government departments and avoid spreading unverified claims that could mislead the public,” Okanlawon added.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
