Residents of Ajebo Road Housing Estate, Kemta, Abeokuta, are in mourning after the tragic death of Oladipo Ademuyiwa, a Professor of Biochemical Toxicology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), who was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Sunday.
The incident occurred on the newly rehabilitated Kemta-Somorin road, as the professor, in his early 60s, had just gotten out of a cab and was about to cross the road when a reckless driver struck him and fled the scene.
Dr. Ayo Ajasa, Chairman of the Ajebo Road Housing Estate Community Development Association (CDA), expressed deep sorrow over the loss and stated that the professor’s death was preventable if the state government had acted on repeated requests from the community for speed breakers on the road.
Ajasa called the professor’s death a significant loss to the community and the nation, acknowledging his valuable contributions to education.
He added, “This tragic event on Sunday, February 16, 2025, highlights the urgent need for government intervention to prevent future accidents on this road.
It’s unfortunate that, despite several appeals to the Ogun State government and relevant authorities, no substantial steps have been taken to install speed breakers and other necessary safety measures on this road.
While speed bumps were installed on the Ilugun end, our persistent requests for safety measures on Ajebo Road Housing Estate have been ignored.”
Ajasa urged the state government to promptly install speed breakers, lorry barriers, and clear traffic signs to prevent reckless driving on this road.
He also emphasized the need for stronger law enforcement to control excessive speeding within the estate.
Furthermore, he expressed his frustration that a community of law-abiding citizens had to endure repeated accidents, near-fatal incidents, and now the loss of a respected professor due to government neglect.
Ajasa pointed out that another accident occurred within 24 hours of the professor’s death, proving that the road remains dangerous.
He concluded, “We hold the government accountable and call on the Ogun State Governor to take immediate action before more lives are lost. We also appeal to the media, civil society organizations, and concerned Nigerians to support our call for justice and safer roads in our community.”
