By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

A wave of anger swept through Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Thursday, as scores of aggrieved youths under the banner of the Coalition of Concerned Youth trooped to the entrance of the State Government Secretariat, demanding decisive action against what they described as fraudulent and exploitative practices by landlords and house agents.

The protest, though peaceful, bore the unmistakable signs of frustration and urgency, with demonstrators decrying government silence in the face of what they termed “daylight robbery” in the housing sector.

Spearheading the march was the Speaker of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, Rt. Hon. Fatomi Dare Hammed, who lamented the government’s inaction despite numerous petitions and letters sent to relevant authorities.

“Today is not an ordinary day,” Fatomi thundered to a cheering crowd. “Today is the day we rise, not in violence, but in unity. We are tired of being robbed in broad daylight by greedy house agents and landlords who exploit our desperation.”

The protesters accused property agents of charging outrageous inspection fees for substandard or at times, non-existent accommodation. They further alleged that many landlords were now demanding extra payments for basic amenities such as water, electricity, and proper roofing, effectively turning what should be standard provisions into luxury offerings.

“In a state blessed with intellect, culture, talent and promise, a basic human right like shelter has become a fraudulent scheme to oppress us,” Fatomi said.

Armed with placards bearing inscriptions like “Stop the Extortion”, “Housing is a Right, Not a Scam”, and “Regulate Rent Now!”, the demonstrators chanted solidarity songs, demanding sweeping reforms to protect tenants—particularly youths and low-income earners.

Fatomi disclosed that the coalition had earlier written to both the Osun State Government and the House of Assembly to raise concerns over the deteriorating housing situation, but their outcries were met with deafening silence.

“We are not here to cause chaos. We are here because our demands are lawful, reasonable, and long overdue. We even postponed an earlier protest out of respect for peace, but all we got was silence. Now, we will be silent no more,” he stated.

He emphasised that the rally was not targeted at the government but was a clarion call for justice and responsible governance.

“We are not the government’s enemy. We are not the problem. We are the engine and future of this state. And we must be listened to,” Fatomi declared.

“Let this protest be written in the history of Osun as the day we stood tall to reclaim our right to decent and affordable housing.”

Among the coalition’s demands were: Regulation of house inspection and agent fees, Enforcement of tenants’ rights and anti-exploitation laws, Standardisation of rent prices and housing conditions, Legal action against fraudulent housing agents

Despite the large turnout and the tense nature of the protest, there were no reports of violence or disruption, as the organisers maintained strict order throughout.