Residents of Ajebo Road Housing Estate, Kemta, Abeokuta, are in mourning following the tragic death of a Professor of Biochemical Toxicology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Oladipo Ademuyiwa, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver on the recently renovated Kemta-Somorin road on Sunday.
Prof. Ademuyiwa, who was in his early 60s, had just stepped out of a cab and was attempting to cross the road from the Prof. Wole Soyinka side when a reckless driver hit him and fled the scene.
Dr. Ayo Ajasa, Chairman of the Ajebo Road Housing Estate Community Development Association (CDA), stated on Tuesday that the tragic loss of the professor could have been avoided if the state government had acted on the community’s repeated requests for speed breakers on the road.
He described the professor’s passing as a major loss to both the local community and the nation, considering his significant contributions to education and knowledge dissemination at one of the country’s top academic institutions.
Ajasa stated, “This unfortunate incident, which occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2025, has once again exposed the dire need for immediate government intervention to prevent further tragedies on this road.
“It is disheartening that despite repeated appeals to the Ogun State government and relevant agencies, no concrete action has been taken to install speed breakers and other necessary safety measures on this road.
“The government did not hesitate in installing speed bumps on the Ilugun end of the road, but ignored our persistent requests to safeguard lives in Ajebo Road Housing Estate.”
He emphasized that to prevent further loss of life, the state government must urgently install speed breakers and lorry barriers along the road, with clear traffic signs to warn motorists against reckless driving.
Ajasa also urged stricter law enforcement to control excessive speeding within the estate.
He further stated that it was unacceptable for a law-abiding community to endure repeated accidents, near-misses, and now the death of a respected professor due to government inaction. He added that “another accident occurred within 24 hours of this tragic incident, proving that this road remains a death trap.”
Ajasa said, “We hold the government accountable and call on the Governor of Ogun State to intervene immediately before more lives are lost.
“We also appeal to the media, civil society organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to amplify this call for justice and safer roads in our community.”
