Tension has escalated across the Alagbaka Civil Service Quarters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration moves to demolish 156 residential units originally constructed for public servants. The affected civil servants, including widows, disabled workers, and low-income families, now face the grim threat of homelessness.

The state government marked the buildings for demolition without offering clear resettlement plans or financial compensation. These quarters, built in 1976 under the leadership of the late Governor Adekunle Ajasin, have long served as affordable housing for civil servants. Residents have consistently paid subsidized monthly rents—N5,000 for a three-bedroom unit and N4,000 for two-bedroom flats—through salary deductions.

Victims Speak Out: “We Served the Government, Now They Want to Abandon Us”

The looming demolition has triggered widespread outrage. In several emotional videos circulating online, distressed residents, many of whom have served the state for decades, appealed to the government for compassion.

Pastor Christopher, a disabled information officer with the Ministry of Information and Orientation, described his suffering in vivid detail.

“I have no natural legs—just artificial ones. I became disabled while serving the state. I never refused any assignment. Wherever the job took me, I went. I lost my legs due to chronic diabetes, which worsened because I kept working. I sacrificed everything to promote this government. Now they want to demolish my only home. If this happens, it means they have attacked not just me but my God. The Bible says that anyone who oppresses the poor insults their maker,” he stated.

Another resident, a female civil servant with a physical disability, shared her heart-wrenching story. She works with the Ondo State Medical Service Emergency Agency and also faces eviction.

“My husband died four years ago. I have four children and only one functioning leg. The other leg is already affected. I rely on my meager salary to feed my children. Now they want to destroy our home. Where do they expect us to go? I haven’t built any house. I have no other place. Because of this crisis, my blood pressure has shot up. We’re already struggling to survive. My son just gained admission into a university, and I couldn’t even afford his fees. Adding homelessness to our problems will break us.”

As she spoke, her voice trembled with fear. “We don’t even have enough to eat. Why would the government take away our shelter?”

“We Will Resist This Injustice,” Residents Declare

Pastor Samuel, another affected worker, expressed his deep frustration with the government’s decision.

“I can’t sleep anymore. This issue has become a nightmare. If they force us out, where will we go? We have no alternatives. Even if they offer compensation, it won’t be enough to find a new home. In my current condition, relocating with my family will be impossible.”

These sentiments reflect the mood across the community. For many of these civil servants, the quarters are not just buildings—they represent decades of sacrifice, loyalty, and survival. Now, they fear they may lose it all overnight.

According to residents, the demolition is not a simple government upgrade but a calculated plan to grab prime land in the heart of Akure. A government insider revealed that the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure is allegedly spearheading the project.

“They want to demolish these homes and acquire the land for themselves. Alagbaka is the most sought-after location in Akure. The elites have already taken over most of the land. These quarters are the last affordable properties left. Now, they want to push us out and replace our homes with luxury buildings.”

Residents believe this move not only violates the intent behind the original housing policy but also dishonors the legacy of former Governor Adekunle Ajasin.

“This estate was never meant for the rich,” one resident stated. “Governor Ajasin built it for workers like us. Now Governor Aiyedatiwa wants to destroy that legacy. Let him know—we are not squatters. We pay rent. If they treat us like criminals and try to throw us out, we will resist.”

Labour Unions Prepare for Showdown

As discontent spreads, several labor unions within the state civil service have begun mobilizing to halt the demolition. Union leaders have accused the administration of ignoring the voices of the people while pushing forward with an “anti-worker, anti-people agenda.”

They demand that the government immediately halt the demolition, engage in transparent dialogue, and provide fair relocation or compensation plans. Failure to do so, they warned, would spark mass protests and industrial action.

Government Justifies Plan as Urban Regeneration, Not Land Grab

In response to the backlash, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, Engr. Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, issued an official statement on April 8, 2025. He dismissed the public outcry as misinformation and accused critics of misrepresenting the government’s intentions.

“The recent uproar over the proposed redevelopment of the Alagbaka Government Staff Quarters stems from deliberate falsehoods and mischief. This project is a forward-thinking initiative—not a land grab,” he argued.

According to Olawoye, the Alagbaka estate includes 69 bungalows—53 residential and 16 office units—spread across 31.3 hectares, equivalent to 481 standard land plots. He claimed that the buildings have severely deteriorated over the past three decades and now pose safety risks to occupants.

“These structures are substandard and unsuitable for modern living. The project aims to transform the area into a safer, more sustainable environment. It’s part of our broader urban regeneration plan for Akure.”

He insisted that the government prioritised public interest and would manage the redevelopment responsibly.

Civil Servants Demand Justice and Human Dignity

Despite the government’s assurances, residents remain unconvinced. They accuse the administration of pushing them to the margins of society despite their years of service. Many say the government failed to involve them in any discussions before issuing eviction notices.

“This is not how to treat people who gave their lives to public service,” one retiree declared. “They’ve ignored our humanity, our loyalty, and our right to shelter. This isn’t progress—it’s cruelty.”

Residents have called on the government to halt all demolition efforts immediately, consult affected families, and offer fair alternatives. They insist they will not surrender quietly.

Conclusion: A Brewing Crisis in the Heart of Akure

The conflict in Alagbaka reveals a growing disconnect between governance and the welfare of ordinary citizens. As bulldozers prepare to move in, hundreds of families, many of whom have lived in these homes for decades, face an uncertain future.

While the government defends the project as necessary for urban renewal, affected workers see only pain, displacement, and betrayal. Unless both parties find common ground soon, the crisis may escalate into a full-blown social confrontation that could define the Aiyedatiwa administration for years to come.