By Ayodele Oni
Inmates of Ago-Ireti, a leprosarium settlement in Akure, has appealed to the Ondo state government not to relocate them to an area which has been experiencing banditry for sometime.
The residents on Thursday staged a protest at the Ondo State Governor’s Office, demanding an immediate halt to a controversial relocation directive that has stirred fear and uncertainty within the community.
Area where they are currently settled has witnessed development and falls inside commercial area of the state capital.
The demonstrators carried placards and chanted solidarity songs as they appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene in what they described as an “abrupt and inhumane” decision.
Ago-Ireti—translated as “Settlement of Hope”—was established in 1943 as a leprosarium, long before the creation of Ondo State.
It has since evolved into a symbol of resilience and compassion, providing refuge and dignity for individuals once marginalized due to leprosy.
Over the decades, the community has been supported by faith-based organizations, including the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, the Sisters of St. Louis, and the Anglican Diocese of Akure, alongside several humanitarian groups.
Tensions escalated recently after government officials reportedly arrived unannounced to issue a relocation notice to residents, giving them a one-year ultimatum to vacate the settlement.
The proposed relocation site, believed to be around Ilu-Abo, in Akure North, has raised additional concerns among residents due to reported security challenges in the area.
Speaking during the protest, community representatives alleged that the directive was delivered with intimidation and without prior consultation.
They argued that the government failed to consider the historical significance of Ago-Ireti and the vulnerability of its inhabitants.
“We voted for Governor Ayedatiwa. He should use his office to consider our plight as the proposed relocation will not do us any good.
“How will our helpers such as religious bodies, humanitarian organizations and Non-governmental organizations be able to get in touch with us? This is not just land; this is our home, our history, and our identity,” one protester said.
“We deserve to be heard, not displaced without dialogue.”
Some of them emphasized that Ago-Ireti has benefited from past government interventions, particularly during the administration of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, when residents received improved welfare support, healthcare services, and infrastructure upgrades.
Non-governmental organizations within and outside the country have also continued to sustain the settlement through humanitarian efforts.
Protesters expressed hope that Governor Aiyedatiwa may not have been fully briefed on the implications of the directive, urging him to suspend the relocation process and initiate meaningful engagement with residents and supporting organizations.
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