Survivors of the Bodija explosion, who are residents of Old Bodija Estate in Ibadan, have expressed concern over the lack of communication from the Oyo State Government and the 10-member committee assigned to oversee their case.
At a meeting convened by the Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), the survivors urged the state government to expedite the disbursement of the ₦4.5 billion relief fund approved during the Executive Council meeting held on May 15. The funds are meant to support victims of the explosion that occurred on January 16, 2024.
The residents called on the government to engage with them through their officially recognized representatives on the committee to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the process.
Dr. Adesegun Obajimi, a former BERA president and one of the survivors, noted that residents had not received any formal updates from the government or the committee. He stressed the importance of involving the recognized BERA leadership in all matters relating to the relief fund.
The representative mentioned in the government bulletin does not appear to be our president,” Dr. Obajimi said.
We have reaffirmed our confidence in the executive we elected. While we appreciate the government’s approval of the ₦4.5 billion, the delay in disbursement is troubling. Many victims are still struggling and waiting on this support to rebuild their lives.”
Similarly, Deacon Olubodun Oke, Chairman of the Association of Residents of Ekiti and Osun Areas of Old Bodija, emphasized the urgent need for payment.
The relief fund is long overdue,” he said. “What the victims need now is immediate financial support so they can move past their trauma. Lives were lost, and properties destroyed—it’s been over a year, and survivors need to pick up the pieces.”
Mr. Folu Bademosi, another survivor who lived close to the explosion’s epicenter, expressed concerns over the state government’s decision to revoke property titles at the explosion site. He proposed alternative sites within the estate for the planned monument, such as open spaces on Dejo Oyelese Street.
I was directly affected—I spent three months in a hospital and hotel, all out of pocket,” he said. “There’s still uncertainty about the exact properties involved. While a memorial is important, the welfare of living survivors should come first. The government should focus on restoration, not revocation.”
The Oyo State Executive Council had also approved the recommendation to revoke titles of two properties on Adeyi Avenue—the location of the explosion—and to build a monument there in memory of the victims.
