Ogun begins demolition of shanties along Lagos-Ibadan expressway

Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta

Ogun state government has began the demolition of shanties which were illegally erected on setbacks along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, thereby constituting environmental nuisances along that corridor.

Flagging off the demolition exercise at the Kara, OPIC axis in Isheri, Obafemi Owode local government area of the state, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Mr Farook Akintunde said the state government embarked on the demolition after several warnings and abatement notices served to the owners of the shanties.

He said the owners of the shanties who are mostly traders had been to vacate all the road setbacks and move to formally recognized markets but that they have decided to turn deaf ears to government’s pleadings and counsel

“The state government will not fold its arms and watch these shanties deface the aesthetic beauty of the state which is the gateway to many states of the federation.

“These structure are not only an eyesore,they harbour criminals who disguise as traders during daytime but perpetuate their nefarious activities in the night.

“Aside from these, the genuine traders among them sell in filthy environment which breeds rodents and vectors which have adverse health implications on those that patronize them especially unsuspecting commuters to the state who desire to have quick fixed meals,”Akintunde submitted.

He therefore advised genuine traders among them to move to formally recognised markets which have enough spaces to accommodate them saying the state government is desirous of not only destroying shanties in the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway axis but throughout the state as all road setbacks in the state will soon wear new look that befits the status of the Gateway state.

He warned that anyone of them caught re-erecting his or her shanties in the cleared areas will face the wrath of the law.