The Take It Back Movement (TIB), Ondo state chapter, has issued a statement condemning the proposed demolition of the Alagbaka Government Quarters in Akure.
The movement threatened mass action should Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa fail to halt the plans within seven working days.
The statement comes on the heels of reports that several buildings in the quarters—currently housing civil servants—have been earmarked for demolition by the state government, allegedly under the guise of renovations.
In the press statement signed by TIB Coordinator Owolabi Patrick, AAC State Secretary Akinnusi Emola, and former AAC gubernatorial candidate Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, the groups accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of orchestrating the demolition to benefit political allies and an undisclosed private developer.
“Trying to appear unaware, the demolition is being fronted by aides of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa so that he would continue to appear naive, saintly, and innocent,” the statement reads. “We are very sure that the demolition is being done by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as he has sold all the marked buildings to a developer whose identity is being hidden.”
The statement further revealed that members of the State House of Assembly and the Speaker have been promised two units each in the proposed new estate, calling the move a “prodigal act” and a betrayal of public trust.
The statement also criticized the government’s rationale for the demolition, labeling the supposed renovation claims as “nonsensical and after-thought.” They pointed to the T.A. Iwajomo House, a modern edifice built to honor the state’s first Head of Service, which is also marked for demolition.
“It is clear that the excuse of renovations is laughable and fake,” they said, citing opinions gathered from affected civil servants, labor leaders, and union representatives.
Calling on Governor Aiyedatiwa to issue a public apology to the affected workers, they demanded a redirection of housing plans to less developed areas such as Oda and Isikan rather than targeting a historic government housing legacy.
“If Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is interested in having a Housing Legacy, let him move to the plenty bushes in Oda, Isikan, and other places and build worthy housing estates for the people there,” the statement urged.
The movement also linked the current administration to rising insecurity in the state, expressing solidarity with residents affected by “killings, kidnappings, and violences” since Aiyedatiwa assumed office.
“We will be taking up mass actions as the deadline approaches. There is no cause for lamenting. There is nothing good that can come from a governor who spent ₦775 million to repair a short fence at the same Alagbaka other than sorrow, tears, and blood (in the words of Fela!),” the statement concluded.
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