Tension rose in Osogbo on Tuesday as residents of Ilupeju community staged a peaceful protest over an alleged move to block what they described as the only access road linking their neighbourhood to the rest of the city.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Save Ilupeju and Shittu Estate from Isolation” and “Our Road, Our Right,” dozens of residents gathered along the disputed corridor, appealing directly to Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene.
Community leaders said the demonstration followed unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue with officials of the Osun State Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, legal representative Taiwo Ajibola said the road had served thousands of people for years and warned that closing it would pose serious safety concerns.
“We have about 3,000 houses here with more than 4,000 inhabitants. Blocking this road will create serious security and emergency challenges for everyone,” Ajibola stated.
He explained that during earlier discussions with ministry officials, the community was informed that the road corridor formed part of a parcel of land allegedly owned by a private individual. According to him, while negotiations were ongoing in March 2025, a revocation notice was later observed on the land, creating uncertainty among homeowners.
Ajibola further disclosed that after the revocation, the community applied for the land to be formally allocated to them to regularise the access road. However, they later discovered that the property had been reallocated to another party without their knowledge.
He said petitions had since been submitted to the state government and law enforcement authorities, urging prompt intervention to prevent escalation.
Also speaking, Abdulrahim Iderawumi, who represented the family said to have historical ties to the land, maintained that the route had long functioned as the recognised entrance to Ilupeju community.
“This has been the access road from time immemorial. People living here have no alternative route. We are appealing to Governor Adeleke to step in and ensure peace,” he said.
The residents expressed hope that the government’s promised intervention would guarantee continued access while maintaining calm in the area.
In response, the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, George Alabi, stated that a structure had been erected on land originally designated for access, describing the road currently in use as unauthorised.
Alabi, however, said efforts were ongoing to resolve the dispute. He confirmed visiting the area to assess the situation and assured residents that a solution would be found.
“After inspecting the roads shown to me, I assured the community that the ministry will find a way to create access so that there will be harmony between Ilupeju Community and the neighbouring GRA residents,” the commissioner said.
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