Ogun Speaker Denies Lawmakers Were Paid to Relocate Ahead of Quarters Demolition
The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide, has denied claims that lawmakers in the state were paid to secure alternative accommodation ahead of the planned demolition of their quarters at Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, under the state’s urban renewal project.
Elemide said the lawmakers have no objection to the demolition of the 46-year-old quarters to make way for modern apartments that could add economic value to the state.
However, he stressed that the government must provide hotel accommodation or alternative residences for lawmakers before the demolition.
Speaking at a briefing on Friday at the Assembly Complex in Abeokuta to mark his two years in office, the Speaker also called for full autonomy for the legislative arm to improve performance and delivery of good governance.
He hailed Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving a constituency projects allowance of N150 million for each lawmaker, describing it as unprecedented.
Elemide said under his leadership, the Assembly had passed 12 bills, with another eight under consideration, and over 60 resolutions aimed at boosting governance and improving residents’ living conditions.
On the demolition, Elemide said, “If they choose to demolish the legislative quarters, we are only tenants. Our concern is that for the remaining days of our tenure, we must be provided hotel accommodation, but we have not received any notice to quit the quarters.
“What we have been told in confidence is that the present building cannot stand the test of time in terms of aesthetics, functionality and durability. The government intends to build new duplex or twin duplex legislative quarters, saving space that will add economic value to the state.
“A plot of land in that area is around N100 million. It is a win-win situation. If we are convinced that state funds will not be wasted and the project will add economic value, we may not object. But up till now, we have not been paid. It is only right that alternatives are provided.”
The Commissioner for Housing, Jamiu Omoniyi, explained last November that the demolition and reconstruction of the quarters was part of the Ogun State Urban and Housing Renewal Master Plan.
He said the initiative was aimed at replacing obsolete infrastructure with sustainable, modern developments and improving public safety and administrative efficiency.
Elemide also highlighted the Assembly’s cordial relationship with Governor Abiodun, noting that it could be strengthened through full autonomy.
“We have administrative autonomy, but financial autonomy is needed for optimal performance,” he said.
State legislative autonomy, constitutionally backed through Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution, allows assemblies to receive direct funding from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Despite this legal framework, full implementation remains challenging due to resistance from some state executives.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
