Eredo Community Accuses Councillor Of Blocking Historic Access Road, Cries Out To Ogun Government For Intervention
Residents of Eredo community in Obafemi owode local Government in Ogun State have raised serious concerns over the alleged blockage of their only access road by Hon. Lateef Adekunle Ajayi, councillor representing Obafemi Owode Ward 3.
The closure, according to community leaders, has crippled daily activities and endangered the livelihood of several villages linked by the route.
Titus Adeniji, Chairman of the Eredo Community Development Association (CDA), led an appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Physical and Urban Planning, and the Commissioner for Environment. He noted that the blocked road serves as a crucial link for about seven villages, making it difficult for children to reach school and for residents to carry out their daily activities.
Residents of Ilepe Village, one of the affected communities, described the situation as alarming and unbearable.
A community member, Mr. Abdulahi Oshioyemi, explained that the access road said to have existed since 1835 connects the village to its primary school, farmlands, and nearby markets where farmers sell their produce.
He alleged that Hon. Lateef and some associates have been repeatedly harassing villagers, preventing them from using the road. According to him, the group has not only blocked the ancestral route but has also intimidated anyone attempting to pass.
Mr. Oshioyemi recounted a recent incident in which he was allegedly attacked while transporting farm produce, including banana and yam flour, to the market. His goods, he said, were forcefully thrown to the ground, leaving him stranded.
“The road is our lifeline. Farming is the only means of survival for most of us here. Blocking this road is like cutting us off from existence,” he said.
Another resident, Mr. Adio Soyinka, urged the state government to urgently stop Hon. Adekunle Ajayi from what he described as “oppressive actions.” He noted that directing villagers to use the expressway poses serious safety risks, especially for children and farmers who move on foot.
“We have been using this road for generations. The expressway he insists we should pass is dangerous and not safe for us. The government must intervene before something terrible happens,” he added.
In response to the allegations, the management of Adekunle Ajayi and Company Limited clarified that the land where the road is situated was lawfully acquired and later transferred to a Chinese firm to support Governor Dapo Abiodun’s investment drive. They explained that the road was blocked only after repeated cases of equipment theft and vandalism on the property, stressing that alternative routes are available for the community.
The company emphasized that Hon. Lateef Adekunle Ajayi has consistently demonstrated goodwill toward the community, citing his annual grading of major access roads in Eredo and surrounding areas as part of his philanthropic contributions. They maintained that his long-standing commitment to community development contradicts claims that he would intentionally inflict hardship on residents.
They further alleged that Titus Adeniji, who presented himself as CDA chairman, is an impostor, stating that the recognized chairman is Mr. Dele, backed by the community’s Bales. According to the company, these legitimate leaders support its actions. The management urged the public to disregard what it described as false accusations and reaffirmed its readiness for dialogue to ensure an amicable resolution.
