Tension rose in Osogbo, Nigeria, on Tuesday as hundreds of Ilupeju residents gathered to publicly urge Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene in a dispute over their sole access road, which they allege the state government plans to seal.
The demonstration followed claims that the Osun State Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning intends to block the route, effectively isolating the community from the rest of the city. Residents held placards reading “Save Ilupeju and Shittu Estate from Isolation” and “Our Road, Our Right,” stating peaceful dialogue with officials had failed.
Legal representative for the community, Taiwo Ajibola, warned that closing the road would create severe security and emergency response challenges for approximately 4,000 residents across 3,000 homes. He explained that the road’s status became contentious after the ministry informed the community the corridor belonged to an undisclosed individual. Ajibola stated that after a land revocation notice was observed in March 2025, the community applied for allotment but discovered the land had been reallocated to another party.
Abdulrahim Iderawumi, representing a family with historical ties to the area, asserted the route has served as the “recognised entry point from time immemorial” with no alternative for residents. Petitions have been submitted to state and police authorities seeking urgent intervention.
Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, George Alabi, responded by stating the currently used road is unauthorised, as a structure exists on land originally designated for access. However, he confirmed a site visit was conducted and assured the ministry is working to create a permanent access solution to ensure harmony between Ilupeju and the neighbouring Government Reserved Area (GRA) district.
Residents await the government’s promised resolution while continuing their demand for guaranteed access. The standoff highlights ongoing tensions between urban development plans and established community infrastructure in Osogbo.
