Tales Of Agony, Loss As Adeboruwa Visits Scene Of House Demolition At Oke Ira

Kunle Adelabu

-This is a grave error – Oba Kasali

It was tales of agony and loss as residents of Oke Ira recounted their traumatic experiences to the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, His Royal Majesty Oba (Oba) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali and his team, when they visited to see the wanton destruction of houses wrecked on the community last Tuesday.

The royal father described the demolition of many houses at Oke Ira in Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area of Ikorodu Division, as a grave error.

Oba Kasali said that such sad occurrence would incresease people’s sufferings in no small measures.

The massive demolition of houses was allegedly carried out on Tuesday by agents of the Lagos State Government on the order of the Governor.

Victims of the demolition, during the visit by the Royal father, also staged another peaceful protest.

Oba Kasali was accompanied to the community by the Odofin of Igbogbo, High Chief Tajudeen Alade Duduyemi Onasanya, Chief (Mrs) Karimot Jokotade Ojikutu, the Iyalode of Igbogbo, and other chiefs as well as eminent persons.

“We are here to see the extent of the destruction, which we have seen”, the royal father said.

“I want to appeal to you to continue to maintain your calm.

“I am happy yesterday (Thursday) that you staged a peaceful demonstration to the palace and also to the Council Secretariat.

“It is true that the Governor would not be part of any action that promotes cultism as said by the council chairman.

“We are here today to emphasise with you and to let you know that we are with you on this matter. This is not the end of this matter and we shall see to it to a logical conclusion.

“It is true that the matter is in court and as a lawyer, l know that there are laid down processes before any demolition can be carried out, but which are not followed in this matter”.

He assured victims that every necessary step will be taken to seek redress for them.

“I have called our lawyers and latest Tuesday or Wedndsday, the governor will see our petition over the destruction.

“We are not going to stop there, we shall do every necessary thing and take required steps in getting redress.

“This should not be what people should be contending with in this period of economic hardship in our country.

“I know that this is a grave mistake on the part of those that carried out the demolition.

“I appealed to you to continue to be calm and stay safe because life is precious”, Adeboruwa appealed to victims and other residents.

Mr Shakiru Seidu, Secretary of the land owing family at Oke Ira, while welcoming the royal father and his team, said that the land on which he and others built their houses, has great historical importance to his family.

While taking the royal entourage round the scene, he said that important traditional sites are on the land and that many of their ancestors were buried on it.

THE IMPACT also gathered that one of the mansions demolished belonged to Prince Ajibade, Personal Assistant to Oba Elegushi.

Many other mansions and duplexes demolished, we gathered, belonged to many people who are abroad and in different parts of the country.

According to Shakiru, two of the victims of the demolition died from shock. One of them reportedly died shortly after he was discharged from the hospital on the second day of the demolition as he was unable to bear the news that the house he was supposed to be moved to has been demolished.

He was said to have slumped and did not recover from that.

Another victim, who was said to have partial stroke that affected one of his arms and legs, was said to have had shock on hearing about the sad news and was rushed to the hospital.

However, the man, who was said to have witnessed the demolition of his own building, we gathered, died the next day in the hospital.

A distraught woman, who was unable to speak, was also brought before Oba Kasali and his team during the tour.

Her fully completed three storey building was levelled to the ground during the demolition.

THE IMPACT gathered that another resident, who returned from traveling on that fateful day, was said to have stepped out of his house to get provisions and by the time he returned, his house had been pulled down by bulldozer.

Also demolished were set of massive buildings, each of which contained three bedroom flats both at the front and back and were fully equipped with many items.

These are few of the many tales of the wanton destruction carried out in Oke Ira, allegedly approved by the Lagos State Government.

Meanwhile, scavengers have taken over the site of the demolition, removing wreckage of roof, aluminium, wood and other items