Osun Community Crisis: Residents Cry Out Over Planned Road Closure in Ilupeju

 

​Tension has reached a boiling point in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, as residents of the Ilupeju community and Shittu Estate take a firm stand against the state government’s proposed plan to block their primary access road. This developing situation has sparked widespread concern over urban planning, community safety, and the rights of long-standing inhabitants in the face of government land reallocations.

​The Heart of the Dispute: A Community Under Siege

​On Tuesday, the quiet atmosphere of the Ilupeju neighborhood was replaced by the chants of concerned citizens. Dozens of residents, including community leaders, elderly citizens, and youth, gathered to stage a peaceful demonstration against what they describe as an attempt to "isolate" their community.

​The controversy centers on an alleged plan by the Osun State Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning to seal off a critical route that connects thousands of residents to the rest of the city. For the people of Ilupeju, this isn’t just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of survival. Holding placards with inscriptions like “Save Ilupeju and Shittu Estate from Isolation” and “Our Road, Our Right,” the protesters sent a clear message to the government house: they will not be silenced.

​Why the Ilupeju Access Road Matters

​According to the community’s legal representative, Taiwo Ajibola, the stakes are incredibly high. The disputed road serves as the gateway for approximately 3,000 houses and more than 4,000 inhabitants.

​“Blocking this road will create serious security and emergency challenges for everyone,” Ajibola warned during the protest. He highlighted several critical risks:

1. ​Emergency Response: In the event of a fire or medical emergency, ambulances and fire trucks would have no way to reach the heart of the community.
2. ​Security: A lack of access makes the neighborhood more vulnerable to crime, as police patrols and rapid response teams would be hindered.
3. ​Economic Impact: Thousands of residents rely on this route for their daily commute to work, schools, and markets.

​A History of Broken Dialogue and Secret Reallocations

​The community’s frustration stems from what they perceive as a lack of transparency from the Ministry of Lands. While initial dialogues were held to resolve the issue, residents claim the goalposts have been moved repeatedly.

​Ajibola revealed that during discussions in March 2025, a revocation notice was suddenly spotted on the land. In an attempt to secure their future, the community applied for the land to be officially allotted to them to regularize the access road. However, they were shocked to discover that the land had been reallocated to a third party without their knowledge or consent.

​Abdulrahim Iderawumi, representing the family with historical ties to the land, corroborated these claims. He emphasized that the route has functioned as the recognized entry point "from time immemorial" and that no viable alternative route exists for the residents.

​The Government’s Perspective: "Unauthorised Access"

​In response to the mounting pressure, the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, George Alabi, offered a different perspective. He clarified that the current road being used by the community was never officially designated as an access route. According to the Commissioner, structures have been developed on land that was originally planned for access, leading to the current impasse.

​However, recognizing the volatility of the situation, Commissioner Alabi has personally visited the site to assess the geography and the community's grievances.

​“I have assured the community that the ministry will find a way to create access so that there will be harmony between Ilupeju Community and the neighboring GRA residents,” Alabi stated. This promise of a middle ground offers a glimmer of hope, but the residents remain cautious.

​What Happens Next?

​The Ilupeju community has already submitted formal petitions to both the Osun State Government and the police authorities. They are calling on Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene directly and prevent an escalation of the crisis.

​The Governor, known for his "people-first" approach, now faces a delicate balancing act: upholding urban planning regulations and land ownership rights while ensuring that thousands of his citizens are not left stranded and vulnerable.

​Key Takeaways for Osun Residents:

• ​Stay Informed: Follow local news for updates on the Ministry of Lands' final decision regarding the Ilupeju route.
• ​Community Advocacy: The Ilupeju protest highlights the importance of community unions in defending local infrastructure.
• ​Legal Regularization: This case serves as a reminder for all property owners in Osun to ensure their access roads and land titles are fully regularized with the state government to avoid future disputes.

​As the city of Osogbo watches closely, the resolution of the Ilupeju road dispute will set a significant precedent for how the Osun State Government handles the intersection of private development and public access in an ever-growing urban landscape.