The Ondo State Government has commenced the demolition of buildings and other structures obstructing waterways and government setbacks in Akure, the state capital, as part of efforts to reduce flooding, control erosion, and strengthen compliance with physical planning regulations. The exercise is intended to improve drainage infrastructure ahead of the peak rainy season and reduce the risk of flood-related disasters.

The demolition, which began along Oyemekun Road, is being jointly carried out by the Ondo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Ecological Control. Government officials said the affected structures were found to be obstructing natural drainage channels and violating approved planning standards.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sunday Olajide, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry’s Building Control Unit, Abimbola Tofowomo, warned developers and property owners against erecting buildings on waterways or within government setbacks without the necessary approvals. He reiterated that the government would continue enforcing planning regulations to promote orderly urban development and public safety.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Ecological Control, Elisha Ebijimi, disclosed that owners of the affected properties had been served statutory notices before the demolition commenced. He explained that the operation would pave the way for the expansion of blocked drainage channels and the construction of concrete retaining walls to improve stormwater management and reduce erosion.

According to Ebijimi, inspections revealed deliberate obstruction of drainage openings, resulting in trapped stormwater beneath sections of the road. Engineers have since begun clearing the affected areas to restore water flow and assess the integrity of the road infrastructure before rehabilitation works continue.

Urban planning experts have consistently stressed that protecting waterways, enforcing development control regulations, and maintaining effective drainage systems are essential to reducing flood risks in rapidly growing cities. They note that compliance with approved building plans and setback requirements remains critical to creating safer and more resilient urban communities.

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In a bold move to address Edo State’s mounting environmental challenges, Governor Monday Okpebholo on Wednesday inaugurated Barrister Blessing Agbomhere as Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission, charging him with leading a strategic, multi-sectoral response to the state’s ecological crises.

The appointment comes amid growing concerns over gully erosion, land degradation, flooding, and climate-induced threats across the state. Governor Okpebholo, speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Benin City, emphasized his administration’s commitment to long-term environmental restoration and resilience.

“Our state has endured significant ecological damage over the years,” the governor said. “With this new team, I am confident we will deliver lasting relief to vulnerable communities. Barrister Agbomhere has the competence, courage, and network to attract both local and international collaboration for effective interventions.”

The governor called on the commission to engage with national environmental agencies, development partners, and multilateral institutions to secure funding and technical assistance for sustainable solutions. He underscored the urgency of implementing policies that prioritise environmental sustainability and community welfare.

In his remarks, Agbomhere expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, pledging to serve with dedication, transparency, and impact.

“I am deeply honored by this responsibility,” he said. “We will work tirelessly to justify the governor’s confidence and improve the quality of life for the people of Edo through meaningful, science-backed ecological interventions.”

Agbomhere also reaffirmed his commitment to aligning with the state’s development agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision, which identifies environmental protection as a national priority.

A seasoned legal practitioner and former Director of Corporate, Intergovernmental and Strategic Commerce at the African Bar Association, Agbomhere is widely respected in the fields of natural resources law, marine policy, and institutional reform.

Also sworn in at the ceremony were Hon. Felix Ibhade (Executive Director of Projects), Mrs. Ivie Uwaifo (Executive Director of Administration), and Mrs. Khadija Yusuf (Executive Director of Finance), alongside 21 commissioners and senior officials appointed to various state agencies.

The new appointments are seen as part of a broader effort by the Okpebholo administration to strengthen governance capacity and address long-standing ecological vulnerabilities across Edo State.

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