The demolition of an eight-year-old shopping complex along Oyede Street in Oju Ore, Otta, has left a landlord and several tenants counting their losses, with emotional appeals to the Ogun State Government over what they described as an unfair and hurried exercise.
The building, owned by High Chief Kabiru Odunsi, the Oluomo of Oruba, Otta, was demolished on Wednesday by officials of the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA), accompanied by more than 20 police officers.
According to the authorities, the structure was obstructing a major drainage channel required for the ongoing Ota-Idiroko Road reconstruction project, a move aimed at addressing perennial flooding and improving traffic flow in the area.
However, Chief Odunsi maintained that he was not opposed to the road project but questioned the manner in which the demolition was carried out.
Speaking amid the rubble of the destroyed complex, he said the property was legally acquired and developed about eight years ago with all necessary government approvals, including a Certificate of Occupancy.
He lamented that despite investing his life savings into the project, he was served a demolition notice only three days before the exercise.
“I am not against development or the road project, but I deserve fairness. This building did not spring up overnight. It has stood here for eight years with government approvals. Why was I given just three days to lose everything?” he asked.
Chief Odunsi further alleged that a contractor working on the Ota-Idiroko Road project had earlier informed him that his building was not obstructing the drainage channel.
He therefore questioned the justification for the demolition, insisting that he felt unfairly singled out.
He also wondered why his complex was the first to be demolished when other commercial buildings and residential houses along the same alignment remained untouched until after he raised objections.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Oluwalogbon Community Development Association (CDA) distanced themselves from the demolition, explaining that the decision was based on recommendations by contractors handling the road project.
According to the CDA, engineers identified the shopping complex as one of the structures hindering the proposed drainage system designed to channel floodwater to the expressway.
The association noted that residents had battled flooding in the area for more than three decades and expressed hope that the drainage project would provide lasting relief.
For many of the tenants, however, the demolition has brought immediate hardship.
Mrs. Risikat, a provision store owner, said she was informed on Sunday that the complex would be demolished on Wednesday, leaving her with barely enough time to evacuate her goods.
“My shop is gone and that is where I feed my children. I don’t know where to start again,” she said tearfully.
Another tenant, Mr. Tunde, who operated a barbing salon in the complex, described the demolition as devastating.
“In just three days, everything I worked for disappeared. This shop was my family’s only source of income. I have nowhere to continue my business,” he lamented.
Residents acknowledged the importance of the Ota-Idiroko Road project and the need to tackle flooding but urged the Ogun State Government to ensure that affected property owners are treated fairly.
They questioned why a structure that had existed for years with official approvals could be removed within days without adequate notice, relocation arrangements or compensation.
As dusk settled over Oyede Street, traders were seen salvaging whatever remained of their belongings while children sat quietly on the heaps of broken concrete that once housed thriving businesses.
For the affected families, while the drainage project may eventually ease flooding in the community, the demolition has swept away years of investment, livelihoods and hope.
