The Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA) has called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to intervene in the areas of insecurity, poor electricity supply and post-explosion support for affected residents in the estate.
The President of BERA, Dr Muyiwa Bamgbose, made the appeal on Sunday in Ibadan during the presentation of the maiden edition of Bodija Connect magazine to the monarch.
Bamgbose said the association remained committed to the progress of the estate and sought the monarch’s fatherly guidance and influence in addressing pressing issues affecting the community.
He identified insecurity as a major concern, noting that residents were worried by rising cases of abduction in Ibadan and the need for stronger government-backed security measures.
According to him, there is also the need for the deployment of technology to deter criminals and improve safety of lives and property.
Bamgbose also appealed for intervention on road safety, particularly the installation of speed breakers and other traffic-calming measures in parts of Bodija to check reckless driving and avoidable deaths.
He further decried increasing environmental noise from clubs, lounges and some religious centres, saying it was disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of the estate, especially for elderly residents.
On electricity, Bamgbose lamented poor power supply to the estate and called for urgent steps to improve the situation.
He also urged sustained support for residents affected by the Bodija explosion, saying compensation paid to some victims had been reduced, while some houses beyond the 500-metre mark were excluded from relief.
Bamgbose, however, described the presentation of Bodija Connect as a significant milestone for the association.
He said the publication reflected BERA’s commitment to community engagement, knowledge sharing and collective development, adding that it captured key issues affecting the estate, including the Bodija explosion, heritage and aspirations for a thriving community.
Responding, Ladoja assured residents that adequate support would be provided for vigilante groups across the 11 local government areas in Ibadan to curb insecurity, kidnapping and other crimes.
“Adequate support will be provided for the vigilante groups in all the 11 local government areas of Ibadan to put an end to insecurity, kidnapping and others.
“The provision will include financial and operational equipment so that they can effectively carry out their duties.
“I have held a meeting with them and I have assured them that they would be equipped so that they can secure the lives and property of Ibadan residents,” he said.
The monarch also assured the Bodija community of continued support in line with the vision of its founding fathers.
He said steps would be taken to ensure that commercial activities within the estate do not disrupt the peaceful living of residents.
Other BERA executive members present included the Vice President, Mr Dipo Olasope, SAN; General Secretary, Mr David Afolayan; Public Relations Officer, Mr Ayo Oyerinde; Treasurer, Mr Ayo Ola; and Financial Secretary, Engr. Oluwatayo Moses.
