By Seyifunmi Odunuga
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), has condemned the ongoing demolition of shops, structures in Akobo and other parts of Ibadan, describing the action as insensitive and a blow to the livelihoods of thousands of residents.
Alao, in a statement on Wednesday by his Media Office, berated Makinde’s administration for what he termed “unjust and poorly managed” demolitions, stating that if the governor could not alleviate the suffering of the people, he should not add to their suffering.
“The demolition is a harsh and insensitive blow to the livelihoods of thousands of traders and their families, especially at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe economic hardship”, he said.
He maintained that the demolitions signpost the administration of Governor Makinde as inhuman to those it is meant to care for.
Alao also slammed Makinde’s ongoing land grabbing activities, accusing the administration of using urban renewal as a guise to forcibly displace residents without adequate consultation, compensation, or provision of alternatives.
He said, “The time has come for well meaning people in our dear state to call Governor Makinde to order as his actions rather than bringing succour to the people are pushing many people into poverty, moreso, when the essence of any government is to better the lives of the people.”
Alao then urged the government to adopt a more humane and transparent approach to urban development, cautioning that the current strategy risks eroding public trust and worsening the already dire economic conditions faced by the masses.