AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Concerned residents of Bodija Estate in Ibadan have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to intervene on pressing issues affecting the community, including insecurity, poor electricity supply and post-explosion relief.
The call was made by the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA) during the presentation of the maiden edition of Bodija Connect magazine to the monarch on Sunday in Ibadan.
Muyiwa Bamgbose, BERA President, said the association remains committed to the development of the estate, while seeking the monarch’s guidance and influence in addressing critical challenges confronting residents.
Bamgbose identified insecurity as a major concern, citing rising cases of abduction in Ibadan and calling for strengthened, government-backed security measures. Bamgbose also advocated the deployment of technology-driven solutions to enhance safety and deter criminal activities.
On road safety, he urged the installation of speed breakers and other traffic-calming measures in parts of the estate to curb reckless driving and prevent avoidable deaths.
Bamgbose further decried increasing environmental noise from clubs, lounges, and some religious centres, noting that it disrupts the estate’s peaceful atmosphere, particularly for elderly residents.
Addressing power supply challenges, Bamgbose lamented the persistent poor electricity situation in the area and called for urgent intervention.
The BERA President also appealed for sustained support for victims of the Bodija explosion, alleging that compensation for some affected residents had been reduced, while others beyond a 500-metre radius were excluded from relief efforts.
Despite the challenges, Bamgbose described the launch of Bodija Connect as a milestone, noting that the publication reflects BERA’s commitment to community engagement, knowledge sharing, and collective development. He added that it highlights key issues affecting the estate, including the explosion, its heritage, and aspirations for growth.
In his response, Rashidi Ladoja assured residents of intensified efforts to tackle insecurity, including increased support for vigilante groups across the 11 local government areas in Ibadan.
He said the support would include financial assistance and operational equipment to enable the groups effectively safeguard lives and property.
The monarch also pledged continued backing for the Bodija community, assuring that measures would be taken to regulate commercial activities within the estate to preserve its residential serenity.
