By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Grieving landlords and residents of Ajebo Road Housing Estate Kemta, Abeokuta, have held Governor Dapo Abiodun – led Ogun State Government responsible for what they called the “tragic and avoidable” loss of Prof. Oladipo Ademuyiwa, who happened to be the latest victim of reckless hit-and-run driver on Prof Wole Soyinka Road within Kemta – Somorin Road.
The palpably distraught landlords and residents following the painful exit of one of their own were in agreement that Professor Ademuyiwa would still have been alive today if the state government had done the needful regarding putting safety measures in place along the stretch of Kemta – Wole Soyinka – Ilugun – Somorin road.
Angered by the avoidable loss, the landlords, under the aegis of Ajebo Road Housing Estate, said the state should be held accountable for the many deaths resulting from daily accidents occuring on that particular road axis.
A press statement signed on behalf of the landlords by a Media Professional, Dr Ayo Ajasa, stated: “we hold the government accountable and call on the Governor of Ogun State to intervene immediately before more lives are lost”.
The late Prof. Ademuyiwa until his death was of the Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
The statement read: “This unfortunate incident, which occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2025, has once again exposed the dire need for immediate government intervention to prevent further tragedies on this road.
“It is disheartening that despite repeated appeals to the Ogun State Government and relevant agencies, no concrete action has been taken to install speed breakers and other necessary safety measures on this road.
“The government did not hesitate in installing speed bumps on the Ilugun end of the Road, but ignored our persistent requests to safeguard lives in Ajebo Road Housing Estate.
“We demand the following immediate actions from the Ogun State Government:
Installation of speed breakers along Prof Wole Soyinka Road without further delay.
Installation of Lorry Barrier
Clear traffic signage to caution motorists against reckless driving.
Stricter law enforcement to curb excessive speeding within the estate.
“It is unacceptable that a community of law-abiding citizens must suffer repeated accidents, near-fatal encounters, and now the loss of an esteemed professor, simply due to government inaction.
“Another accident occurred within 24 hours of this tragic incident, proving that this road remains a death trap.
“However, we hold the government accountable and call on the Governor of Ogun State to intervene immediately before more lives are lost.
“We also appeal to the media, civil society organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to amplify this call for justice and safer roads in our community.” reckless hit-and-run driver on Prof Wole Soyinka Road within Kemta – Somorin Road.”
