In efforts to eradicate illegal structures in Ogun State, traditional leaders have been cautioned against misusing their authority to allocate setbacks and open spaces to traders within their domains for personal gain.
Alhaji Farook Akintunde, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, issued this warning while leading the state Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement to Akute in Ifo Local Government Area for the removal of shanties and makeshift structures.
The necessity for this action arose from a petition submitted to the state government by the Anigilage Community Association and the management of Zumuratul Primary School regarding the unauthorized allocation of spaces around the school and under the Akute bridge by the traditional ruler in the area.
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Alhaji Akintunde emphasized that apart from the environmental disturbances caused by such activities, it is unacceptable for a traditional ruler to illegally assign spaces to traders instead of directing them to government-designated markets, which could jeopardize the safety of community residents, particularly students.
He stated, “The allocation of even the school’s fence wall, despite the need for a conducive learning environment, is not only inappropriate but also undermines the state government’s policies.”
In response, the state government took action to restore the environmental and educational integrity of the area by demolishing the illegal structures.
Displaced traders were urged to seek legitimate space in authorized markets, with the state Environmental Marshals instructed to apprehend anyone attempting to relocate to the area.
Mrs. Kikelomo Delano, the Chairman of Ifo Local Government, expressed gratitude to the state government for addressing the concerns raised by the Community Development Association. She assured that the local government council would enforce the ‘No Trading’ directive in the demolished areas.
