By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

A group of displaced residents in Osogbo, Osun State, has made a passionate appeal to Governor Ademola Adeleke, urging him to pay their long-overdue compensation for properties demolished during the state’s road dualization project.

The affected homeowners, under the banner of the Justice for Landlords and Landladies Association, lamented that the delay in payments had left them in hardship, with many unable to rebuild their lives.

According to the chairman of the association, Moshood Oladejo, at least ten members have died due to the distress caused by their predicament.

The demolition, which took place as part of the Orita Olaiya – Old Garage – Ayetoro – Ikirun road expansion project initiated under former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration, affected properties across several areas, including Orita Baba Onisekere, Igbona, Olonkoro, Ajegunle, Old Garage, MDS, and Olorunda.

Oladejo revealed that the total value of the affected properties was estimated at ₦750 million, with the state government agreeing to compensate the victims in six installments. However, since 2022, only one payment of ₦150 million has been made, leaving the remaining five unpaid.

“Everything has become more expensive now—cement, iron rods, and other building materials. The delay is making it impossible for us to recover,” Oladejo said. “We are pleading with Governor Adeleke to save our lives and pay us what we are owed, as the law provides.”

Despite multiple meetings with government agencies, including the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, the affected residents said they have received no clear assurances on when the remaining compensation will be paid.

In a similar vein, the Traditional Ruler of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi, called on the Osun State Governor, Senator Adeleke, to fulfill his promise of setting up a panel of inquiry to investigate the crisis that occurred in Esa Oke on February 3, 2025.

Addressing newsmen in Esa Oke on Tuesday, the monarch expressed concern over the delay in the panel’s inauguration, stating that the community is eager to present its case and seek justice over the recent disturbances.

Oba Akanbi commended Governor Adeleke for his prompt intervention, particularly his pledge to cover the medical expenses of those injured and to support those arrested. However, he emphasised that the community remains anxious for the promised panel of inquiry and the fulfillment of other commitments, including medical assistance.

According to him, “We have been waiting for the panel of inquiry to be set up so that we can present our grievances and explain what truly happened.”

The monarch also revealed that solar-powered surveillance systems and CCTV cameras have been installed around the villages to monitor activities. He, therefore, urged Governor Adeleke to take action to prevent certain groups from escalating tensions in the area.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Esa-Oke Central Union, Bamigbeyi Yinusa Aremu, raised concerns over the delay in implementing the resolutions made by the governor following the crisis. He emphasised that the situation remains tense, alleging that the people of Ido Ajegunle, led by Baale Timileyin Ajayi and his allies, have been harassing Esa Oke residents farming on the disputed land.