The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has issued a 72-hour demolition notice to property owners along Olofa Way in Offa Local Government Area. The notice, released on Friday, September 19, 2025, has sparked mixed reactions among residents and stakeholders.
While some community voices criticized the decision as hasty and insensitive, others have welcomed it as a necessary step toward long-overdue urban renewal in Offa.
In a widely circulated memo, Offa indigene Mr. Salaudeen A. Lukman (popularly known as Eluku Omo Adugbo) described the demolition order as a “clear display of disrespect for citizens and insensitivity to their survival.” Although he acknowledged the governor’s effort to expand and rehabilitate Olofa Way, he argued that a blanket demolition notice without detailed explanation or sufficient engagement with property owners undermines citizens’ trust and welfare.
However, a prominent indigenous association, Offakoya Offawokosi, swiftly countered this position with a statement supporting the government’s move. The association argued that Olofa Way has been in dire need of reconstruction for years, with structures illegally erected on drainage systems causing flooding, damage, and safety hazards.
“Any counter-memo against the 72-hour demolition notice should be seen for what it truly is—an act of weakness, political desperation, and an attempt to disrupt the little but steady development that Offa is beginning to enjoy,” the group declared.
Demolition Debate: Balancing Development Goals with Citizens’ Rights in Offa
Offakoya Offawokosi praised Governor AbdulRazaq for what they described as a bold and necessary decision, urging him to remain focused on his developmental agenda despite criticisms. They emphasized that genuine progress often comes with difficult but beneficial sacrifices, adding that Offa’s renewal is long overdue.
Adding another dimension to the debate, an elder and property owner in Offa, who revealed that one or two of his own family’s properties were directly affected by the current notice, gave his perspective on the issue. He explained that notices of infringement on Olofa Way setbacks had been served on some families many years ago, requesting payment for violations. However, he chose not to make such payments, insisting that “payment does not right the infringement, just as annual rent payment does not solve the matter.”
He urged the community to ask critical questions: Do the marked structures foul the established road setback law? Do they have approved plans? He stressed the need to approach the matter holistically with Offa’s development in mind, in order to reduce financial losses families might suffer from the planned demolition.
The elder further recalled that during the initial dualization of Olofa Way, especially on the western side, many families were compensated, although most of those beneficiaries have since passed away. According to him, this history must not be overlooked as the community navigates the current situation.
The controversy surrounding the demolition notice has underscored a larger conversation in Offa: how to balance the urgent need for development with the protection of citizens’ rights and livelihoods. As the deadline approaches, the community awaits how the government will manage both the technical and human sides of this decision.
What’s your take on the 72-hour demolition notice in Offa—bold step toward development or a threat to livelihoods? Join the conversation and share your perspective on Louisa Olaniyi
