Oyo Housing Corporation convince Bodija residents over siting station, others

Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation, Barr. Bayo Lawal has expressed his joy after reaching concrete resolution with Bodija Estate Resident Association, BERA, over siting of filling station among others which have caused crisis between both parties in recent time.

In an exclusive interview with Mouthpiece NGR correspondent on Thursday, Barr. Lawal said he’s glad for being able to proffer solution to the lingering crisis which according to him, would have escalated had it been it has not been brought for dialogue.

Recall that Bodija residents had claim that the Housing Corporation altered the Master Plan by selling its (Housing) old fuel dump site to a popular oil marketer who is based in Ibadan without considering the implications of the action on the residents.

According to them, the filling station is being constructed without conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The Old Bodija Estate residents also raised the fears that the siting of the filling station at the spot might subject the community to environmental pollution, ground water pollution, fire outbreak and traffic congestion.

After several allegations were made and both parties resolved to dialogue, it was, afterwards, established that reasonable agreement were reached and the Housing Corporation under the leadership of Barr Bayo Lawal was able to brought forth evidence of belief which further made headway on their discussion.

Bayo Lawal said: “Having shown them various approvals from necessary bodies and the ones approved by the Oyo state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, which was a pointer to revamping and renovation of old moribund dump site, and others having seen that all necessary documents were obtained, they were convinced and also added that there would have been no discord whatsoever with Housing Corporation if they had known about all these documents.”

“I also informed them that they should be meticulous in relating the current Oyo state housing corporation to 1958 planning when it was created as there’s a need for dynamism and change. I noted that in Housing’s planning regulation there must be change of regulation every 20 years which would have happened more than 3 times now since its inception.- Bayo Lawal said.

Mouthpiece NGR further understands that complaints about development in and around Bodija Estate, flooding, rent charges, were among other issues raised by the association.

The President, Bodija Estate Resident Association, BERA, Architect Folu Bademosi while speaking acknowledged the Housing Corporation for the show of diplomacy to settle the strife and promised there won’t be any form of discord henceforth with the corporation as they are convinced with all papers brought forth.

He, however, lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for considering Bodija as hotspot for some of his transformation projects.