By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Obafemi Owode, Ogun State — The Councillor representing Owode Ward 3 in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Hon. Lateef Adekunle Ajayi, has dismissed reports alleging that he fenced or blocked a public access road within the council area, describing the claims as misleading and a distortion of facts.
Ajayi, in a statement issued on Tuesday, refuted suggestions that a recent inspection by the Ogun State House of Assembly (OGHA) Committee on Environment confirmed any wrongdoing on his part. He stressed that he has never obstructed any public road linking Eredo-Alase and neighbouring communities, as alleged in some reports.
According to the councillor, the visit by the House Committee was part of its routine legislative oversight responsibilities and should not be misconstrued as an indictment or validation of the allegations being circulated.
“At no time did I fence or block any public access road. The inspection carried out by the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Environment was a standard oversight exercise and not a confirmation of any illegal activity,” Ajayi stated.
He explained that contrary to the narrative being promoted in certain quarters, the committee only indicated that relevant stakeholders, including the Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government and officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, would be engaged in further assessments to ensure compliance with extant laws and regulations.
Ajayi attributed the reports to what he described as a deliberate misrepresentation of facts, allegedly fuelled by business rivalry between himself and one Mr. Ajibola Johnson Akindele. He claimed that the intent behind the allegations was to tarnish his reputation and undermine his longstanding contributions to the development of communities within Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
The councillor reaffirmed his commitment to lawful conduct, transparency and peaceful coexistence, stressing that all his activities, both as a public office holder and private citizen, have always been guided by due process and respect for constituted authorities.
“I remain a law-abiding citizen and a public servant dedicated to community development. My actions have consistently reflected my respect for the rule of law and the institutions of government,” he said.
Ajayi urged members of the public to disregard unverified and misleading reports capable of creating unnecessary tension within the community. He assured residents that all access roads in the area remain open and unhindered, contrary to the claims being circulated.
He further pledged his continued cooperation with all relevant government agencies in the interest of orderly development and good governance, while calling on media practitioners to uphold the principles of fairness, balance and accuracy in their reportage.
Residents of the area have been advised to seek information from credible sources and avoid actions that could disrupt the peace and harmony of the community.
