Residents of 16 communities under the Itesiwaju Omu Arogun Area Community Development Council (ACDC) in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have raised concerns over the lack of basic infrastructure and the burden of multiple taxation imposed by local government officials.
Speaking during the combined Annual General Meeting of the communities on Sunday, ACDC Chairman Yemi Adebisi disclosed that residents had resorted to self-help initiatives to meet basic needs, including fixing motorable roads, providing public schools, and health facilities. He lamented that despite their efforts, traders and residents face worsening economic conditions due to multiple levies demanded by local government agents.
Adebisi revealed that the communities recently contributed over N2.6 million to repair damaged portions of the Mowe-Ofada Road, linking several areas from Arogun Junction through Unity Estate to Daluwon Gate. He stressed the need for intervention by the state and local governments to provide critical infrastructure.
He said, “We are faced with multiple taxations by agents of the Obafemi-Owode Local Government who parade the shops and residences to demand various taxes. We want the LG chairman to look into this menace to ensure peace and tranquillity.”
Adebisi further appealed for amenities such as schools, markets, good roads, and functional health centres to ease the suffering of the residents.
Similarly, the Secretary of the ACDC, Bamidele Famofo, decried the absence of an effective waste management system in the area, which he said often contributes to flooding. He called for a sustainable approach to waste collection and disposal to align with global standards.
When contacted, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, urged the communities to be patient, stating that development projects are being planned under the 2025 budget.
He said, “These communities should exercise patience with the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun because development is a process. We have recently commenced asphalt laying on Adesan Road within the same local government. Once the 2025 budget is operationalised, more communities will enjoy infrastructure development.”
Efforts to get a reaction from the Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, Lanre Ogunsola, regarding the allegations of multiple taxation were unsuccessful, as calls to his line were unanswered at the time of filing this report.