ADC Oyo State Governorship Candidate, Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe (Eleniyan), has challenged the Oyo State Government to rethink its approach to development following the ongoing demolition affecting communities and property owners across parts of Egbeda Local Government.
During a solidarity visit to affected communities, including Ogunsile Village, Ofebolo Village and Kadelu Village, Eleniyan listened to the concerns, losses and experiences of residents whose homes, businesses and livelihoods have been affected by the exercise.
Accompanied by the ADC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Barr. Niyi Aborisade, alongside other party leaders, Eleniyan expressed sympathy with the affected residents and stressed that genuine development must be people-centred, transparent and humane.
He challenged the government to answer a fundamental question: Can a government truly claim to be developing its people when those same people are left devastated by the process?
According to Eleniyan, infrastructure development is necessary, but it must not become a justification for disregarding the dignity, property and legitimate interests of ordinary citizens. Government has a responsibility to balance public infrastructure with fair compensation, proper consultation, resettlement where necessary and respect for due process.
He further called for a transparent assessment of affected properties and urged the government to engage directly with communities rather than treating affected residents as obstacles to development.
“We cannot build roads and destroy the lives of the people the roads are meant to serve. Development should bring hope, not displacement; progress should create opportunities, not helplessness.”
Eleniyan's visit, therefore, is not merely a political gesture, it is a demand for responsible governance that puts human beings at the centre of every development policy.
The people must not be sacrificed for development. Development must be designed and delivered for the people.
Signed: Eleniyan Campaign Organization (ECO)