Residents of Ikirun, the Headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State are reportedly facing environmental issues following allegations that a critical refuse dumping site in Agboro Community was sold off during the tenure of a former Council chairman, Alhaji Hassan Kamorudeen.
In a letter by the the Northern States Council of the National Ikirun Progressive Union (NIPU), the absence of a designated dumping site has exposed the town to blocked drainage systems, air pollution from indiscriminate burning of waste, and rising health risks.
The letter addressed to the former LG Chairman, signed by NIPU Northern states Council Secretary, Abdelhafeez Ishaq and dated January 20, 2025, it was alleged that the land was sold by Alhaji Kamorudeen under the justification that the area had been developed and that waste disposal activities were negatively affecting residents.
According to NIPU, the town has been subjected to serious environmental hazards since the sale of the land, adding that there is no evidence that an alternative dumping site was provided to replace such a critical community asset.
A copy of the statement obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday reads partly: “Our community is facing serious environmental hazards because there is currently no approved dumping land for waste collectors.
“More concerning is the fact that, as of today, the Agboro Community area claimed to be under development remains largely undeveloped, with no significant occupancy. Only a few buildings are under construction, while the entire land has been fully sold out and allocated with survey numbers on each plot. This situation raises serious questions as to whether due process was followed in the disposal of this community property.” NIPU said in a statement.
According to the group, investigations revealed that approximately 10 acres of land earmarked for refuse disposal were sold without any replacement site being provided.
“More troubling is that the area said to be developed remains largely undeveloped, despite the land being fully allocated and sold,” the group stated.
It added,“The continuous burning of refuse at Alamisi Junction has become a serious environmental and public health concern. The practice releases thick smoke and toxic fumes into the air, posing risks to residents, road users, traders, and commuters in the area. It also causes poor visibility for motorists, which may lead to accidents.”
NIPU stressed that the matter goes beyond politics, describing it as a threat to sustainable development and public safety, and called for transparency in the management of public assets.
The group urged the former chairman to respond to the letter by providing necessary information on the sale of the land, adding that failure to do so would lead to further actions through appropriate government agencies and institutions across the Federation until a lasting and just solution is achieved.
Effort to obtain the reaction of Alhaji Kamorudeen was unsuccessful as of time of press time.
