Dozens of protesters gathered in Ogun State on Monday, demanding the state government stop the demolition of ancestral homes in the Ijeun-Titun and Ago-Odo areas of Abeokuta.
The demonstrators, many of whom are elderly residents and community leaders, marched through the streets with placards reading “Respect Our Heritage” and “Stop Destroying Our Homes.” They accused the state government of demolishing houses without proper notice or compensation.
“Our families have lived here for over 100 years,” said 67-year-old community leader Rafiu Salako. “We were born here, and now they want to erase our history without considering where we will go.”
The residents claim the demolition is linked to a proposed road expansion project, but they insist the government did not engage them in dialogue or offer resettlement plans. Some said they only received eviction notices days before bulldozers arrived.
Activist group Save Ogun Heritage joined the protest, urging the government to adopt a more humane approach. “We are not against development,” said spokesperson Tola Adeyemi. “But development should not come at the cost of people’s dignity and homes.”
In response, the Ogun State Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning said the demolitions followed due process and only affected buildings marked for removal months ago.
Commissioner Tunji Odunlami said the government remains open to dialogue but emphasized that the road project is critical for infrastructure growth.
The protesters vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until their demands are addressed.
