In response to escalating social issues within the Igbodu community, including theft, burglary, open defecation, cable burning, and the sale of hard drugs, a comprehensive plan has been put into action. Chief Adeniyi Ajayi, the Eletu of Oke-Eletu, highlighted these concerns and the steps being taken to curb them during a recent address.
Chief Ajayi revealed that he was invited to the Ministry of Environment on June 25, 2024, to discuss the social problems, particularly those associated with the Hausa community at Sabo Kasoa. The Ministry had received petitions from four different Community Development Associations (CDAs): Igbodu CDA, Landmark CDA, Oko-Igbo CDA, and Royal Peace CDA. These petitions prompted the need for a stakeholders’ meeting to develop a resolution.
The Eletu emphasized that addressing these issues required consulting three key families within the community: the Oke-Eletu family, Mabunmi family (Dehinde), and Shokeyo family. The consultative meeting included representatives from the affected CDAs, the Hausa community, and the three families.
The resolution reached during the meeting includes the following directives:
- Eviction of Illegal Occupants: All individuals residing under the Powerline are deemed illegal occupants. The landlords who have leased these lands are also considered illegal.
- No Exploitation of Residents: Under no circumstances should Alatishe or any other party exploit the legal residents of the area, including Igbodu, Landmark, Oko-Igbo, and Royal Peace CDAs.
- Prohibition of Illegal Activities:
- No illegal businesses are permitted within Sabo Kasoa.
- The sale or purchase of stolen items is strictly prohibited.
- The sale of hard drugs is banned.
- Open defecation within any of the CDAs around Kasoa is forbidden.
- Burning of cables under the Powerline is prohibited.
- Sanitation and Cleanliness: Regular sanitation must be conducted to ensure the cleanliness of the Sabo Kasoa market.
- Ban on Scavengers: Scavengers are not allowed within the community.
Failure to comply with these resolutions will result in the evacuation of all individuals residing under the Powerline.
The resolution was signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, Chairman of Sabo Kasoa, and Alhaji Sanni, Vice-Chairman. Additionally, the document is to be signed by representatives from Ikorodu Local Government, Ijede Local Council Development Area, and the leadership of the CDAs. The Eletu of Oke-Eletu and the family heads also need to sign the document to formalize the agreement.
Chief Ajayi reiterated the illegal status of those living under the Powerline, stating, “All those under the Powerline are illegal occupants and illegal.”
The stakeholders emphasized that failure to adhere to the resolutions by Sabo Kasoa will lead to the total evacuation of the market.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ijede LCDA Secretary to the Local Government (SLG) Kunle Olambiwonnu, Ikorodu LG SLG Hon. Abanowonda, and Ikorodu Supervisor for Works Hon. Niyi, among others.
The Igbodu community remains committed to addressing these issues and ensuring a safe, clean, and lawful environment for all residents.