The Chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Akande, has firmly dismissed reports alleging that his council vandalised assets belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) along the Alesinloye railway corridor in Ibadan.
Akande spoke with journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday, pushing back against accusations that the council damaged NRC property during activities carried out on Tuesday.
The allegations claimed that rails, sleepers, signal poles, counting boards, perimeter fencing, and even residents’ belongings within the Mile 1 to Mile 10 stretch of the railway corridor around Alesinloye were destroyed.
Describing the claims as baseless and misleading, the council chairman insisted there was no shred of truth in the reports.
According to him, the local government would never, under any circumstance, destroy or remove property belonging to the government, private individuals or groups in the name of development.
“This is a ploy by some enemies of progress to stop the local government from going ahead with the planned road construction from Alesinloye railway line to 110 Junction, targeted at creating a good road network for the people of the area and motorists in general.
“My mandate is to serve the people, and the project in question is part of a broader initiative to enhance road infrastructure and alleviate traffic congestion in the area,” he said.
Akande disclosed that the road project received approval from the state government more than a year ago, stressing that every step taken was deliberate and lawful.
He explained that the adjustments were meticulously planned and implemented in collaboration with relevant authorities to minimise disruption while delivering maximum benefit to the community.
“The local government authority did not in any way involve thugs while clearing the road, but involved the security operatives to maintain peace in the area.
“This is against the news going around that the local government used thugs to scare people away.
“The properties claimed that were carted away from the railway station should be traced to the scavengers and not the local government,” he said.
Emphasising the strategic importance of the railway station, Akande assured residents that the council’s actions were geared toward improving living standards and easing movement for commuters.
“The creation of a more efficient road network will reduce traffic congestion and promote economic activities in the vicinity.
“I urge the public to disregard malicious rumours as I ensure that this administration remains committed to transparency and accountability,” Akande said.
