The Ogun State House of Assembly has insisted that the demolition of its legislative quarters at the Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA), Abeokuta, must not proceed without the provision of alternative accommodation for lawmakers.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, made this position clear on Friday during a press briefing at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, to mark his second year in office. He dismissed claims circulating in some quarters that lawmakers had already been paid for alternative housing ahead of the planned demolition under the state’s urban renewal programme.
Elemide explained that while lawmakers support Governor Dapo Abiodun’s urban regeneration initiative across GRAs in the state, the government must first make suitable arrangements for their relocation.
“If the government decides to demolish the legislative quarters, we are only tenants. For the remaining period of our tenure, we should either be provided with alternative accommodation or paid in lieu of hotel lodging,” he said.
He stressed that no member of the Assembly had received any payment for accommodation, adding that the lawmakers had not even been officially served a notice to vacate the 46-year-old buildings.
Addressing concerns about the future of the legislative estate, Elemide said the government had informed the Assembly that the existing quarters no longer meet modern standards of aesthetics, functionality, and durability.
“The explanation we received is that the present buildings cannot stand the test of time or reflect what a modern legislative estate should look like in the 21st century,” he stated.
According to the Speaker, the proposed redevelopment plan is expected to optimise land use, with new duplex or semi-detached legislative quarters to be constructed, while excess land would be deployed for projects capable of generating economic value for the state.
He noted that land in the area is valued at about ₦100 million per plot, adding that lawmakers would not oppose the project if convinced that public funds would be judiciously used and that the redevelopment would deliver tangible economic benefits to Ogun State.
However, Elemide maintained that demolition should not begin until alternative accommodation is secured, adding that the Assembly had been assured the reconstruction would be completed before the end of the current administration.
Beyond the housing issue, the Speaker renewed calls for full autonomy for the legislative arm to strengthen efficiency and deepen democratic governance. He also commended Governor Abiodun for approving a ₦150 million constituency projects allowance for each lawmaker, describing the gesture as unprecedented in the state.
Elemide disclosed that under his leadership, the Assembly has passed 12 bills, with eight others currently undergoing legislative processes, and has adopted more than 60 resolutions targeted at improving governance and the welfare of Ogun residents.
The Ogun State Government had announced in November plans to demolish and reconstruct the legislative quarters as part of its broader urban renewal initiative.
