Residents of Iro Town in Owode Obafemi Local Government Area, Ogun State, have decried the blockage of a critical road providing access to over 200 sand excavation sites, farmlands, fishing locations, businesses, and homes.

During a peaceful protest on Wednesday, the affected residents called for urgent intervention from authorities to address what they termed a grave injustice. 

The controversy centers on a dispute over land ownership and road access. Chief Mohammed Aro, Chairman of Awodi Oke Community, alleged that Alhaji Tajudeen Abioye, a businessman, erected a fence on land purchased at the entrance of their community, effectively blocking the road. 

“We warned him when we heard rumors about his plans to fence the road, but he went ahead,” Aro said. “What’s most infuriating is that the fence was constructed under the cover of darkness. On Tuesday, December 17, at about 1 a.m., vigilante officials alerted us. Our wives woke up to confront the workers and demolished part of the fence.” 

Other residents corroborated this claim. Hon. Bililiaminu Mojeed, a resident of Mapa village, said, “This road has been our lifeline since I returned here in 1986. It connects not just my village but also farmlands and businesses. Blocking it would cripple our livelihoods.” 

Mrs. Mary Imasuen, a landowner, added that she bought her two plots in 2021 from the original landowners and was shocked to learn they had been resold. “I’ve been using the land for my business and had plans to build on it, but now it’s fenced off,” she lamented. 

Kubiratu Wahab, one of the women who confronted the fence builders, described the night-time confrontation. “We were alerted by vigilantes and rushed to the site. We had to tear down part of the fence to prevent it from completely blocking the road to our community,” she recounted. 

During the protest, the community members urged Owode Obafemi Local Government Chairman, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, and Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene. They pleaded for assistance to prevent further encroachment and ensure their access road remains open. 

In his defense, Alhaji Tajudeen Abioye dismissed the community’s allegations as misleading. According to him, he legally acquired 15 plots of land, including the disputed road, and obtained all necessary documentation. 

“The so-called road is not the official route but a temporary one created during highway construction. The original roads remain accessible,” Abioye explained.

“I have offered to construct one of these alternative roads, complete with a culvert, to ensure peace.” 

He also refuted claims of economic harm, stating, “The suggestion that over 200 businesses and settlements rely on this road is exaggerated.” 

The protest underscores the tension between private property rights and community access to public infrastructure. With livelihoods at stake, the community is appealing for swift action to resolve the dispute amicably and prevent further escalation.