The Ogun State House of Assembly (OGHA) Committee on Environment has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of a disputed fencing project alleged to be obstructing a public access road linking Eredo-Alase and six other neighbouring villages in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.
The inspection followed earlier complaints and a formal warning by the House over the reported closure of the road serving several communities in the area.
Led by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Samsideen Lawal, the lawmakers directed the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to immediately move to the site and enforce strict compliance with the state’s master plan.
The ministry was also instructed to ensure that the existing access road serving the affected villages remains open and unhindered.
During the visit, the committee issued a stern warning to Mr. Lateef Adekunle Ajayi, also known as “Lati Iyana,” allegedly linked to the fencing exercise, to immediately stop any further construction on the public access road.
The lawmakers further cautioned against the reported use of thugs to intimidate residents, disrupt movement, and harass schoolchildren in the area, pending the conclusion of investigations into the allegations.
Hon. Lawal recalled that the House had earlier ordered a halt to the project following petitions alleging obstruction of public access, environmental degradation, and harassment of residents and schoolchildren.
According to the petition before the Assembly, Mr. Ajayi and some companies operating in the area were accused of blocking the access road and deploying hoodlums to threaten residents of Eredo-Alase, Itoku, Lologe, Alawonla, Ilepe, and Okuyigba villages.
The committee chairman therefore called on the Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, the Commissioner of Police, and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to immediately enforce a stop-work order on the disputed construction to safeguard public access and maintain law and order in the affected communities.
