Environmental and public health concerns have taken centre stage in Ikirun following allegations that a critical refuse dumping site in Agboro Community was sold off during the tenure of a former Ifelodun Local Government chairman, Alhaji Hassan Kamorudeen Okanlawon.
The Northern States Council of the National Ikirun Progressive Union (NIPU) said the absence of a designated dumping site has exposed the town to blocked drainage systems, air pollution from indiscriminate burning of waste, and rising health risks.
Watch the video of the land in question below
“Our community is facing serious environmental hazards because there is currently no approved dumping land for waste collectors,” NIPU said in a statement.
According to the group, investigations revealed that approximately 10 acres of land earmarked for refuse disposal were sold without any replacement site being provided.
“More troubling is that the area said to be developed remains largely undeveloped, despite the land being fully allocated and sold,” the group stated.
It added,“The continuous burning of refuse at Alamisi Junction has become a serious environmental and public health concern. The practice releases thick smoke and toxic fumes into the air, posing risks to residents, road users, traders, and commuters in the area. It also causes poor visibility for motorists, which may lead to accidents.”
Watch the burning of refuse
NIPU stressed that the matter goes beyond politics, describing it as a threat to sustainable development and public safety, and called for transparency in the management of public assets.