Occupants, Ibadan South-West LG Trade Blame Over Railway Corridor Demolition
Occupants along the Railway–One-Ten corridor in Ibadan have blamed the Ibadan South-West Local Government for the demolition of buildings in the area, following the clearance of structures to make way for a proposed road construction project.
Affected occupants, including artisans, individuals and organisations, claimed the demolished properties were legally acquired from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), insisting the exercise was carried out without fresh notices.
They alleged that the demolition, which took place in the presence of security operatives, came as a shock despite their possession of valid documents issued by the NRC.
Chairman of the Alalubosa Artisanal Association, Wasiu Amoo, said members of the association—comprising mechanics, welders, panel beaters, painters and auto electricians had formally leased the land from the NRC.
He recalled that an earlier demolition attempt in January was halted after the intervention of NRC officials, adding that Monday’s exercise was conducted without prior notice.
A representative of the Faith and Miracle International Church which was also affected, Sunday Adepoju, said the church was not notified before its property was pulled down, barely two days after completing a perimeter fence.
However, Ibadan South-West Local Government Chairman, Kehinde Akande, defended the demolition, describing it as a lawful clearance to facilitate road construction along the Aleshinloye–Iyaganku axis.
He maintained that notices were duly served and denied vandalising NRC property, attributing reported damage to scavengers.
The NRC declined official comments, while the Oyo State Government is yet to respond.
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.
