Ayomide Awe
Residents of the Oke-Masho Community Development Association in Omida, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday, staged a peaceful protest against the blockage of their community’s entrance by the MRS Filling Station.
The protestors expressed their frustrations over the impact the blockage has had on their daily lives and businesses.
According to reports gathered by Platform Times, the MRS Filling Station, which previously served as a key access point to the community, began renovations on August 12, 2024.
This renovation led to the closure of the entrance, sparking confusion and anger among residents. Local businesses have been particularly affected, with many suffering a significant downturn.
Mr. Adeniyi Sikirulahi, the Welfare Director of Oke-Masho, confirmed to our correspondent that the road in question has been in use for over 40 years.
He further explained that the community has been making repeated appeals to MRS Filling Station to create a small space as an alternate entrance, but the company has refused, citing a law prohibiting roads leading to communities through filling stations.
The situation has also raised concerns regarding safety, with Mr. Sikirulahi noting that in the past, the community has been the first line of support during fire breakouts at the filling station.
He urged the company to consider the well-being of both residents and their business interests.
Mr. Leke Eweje, the Youth Leader of the community, shared that the Olubara of Ibara Kingdom, Oba Dr. Jacob Olufemi Omolade, had intervened in the matter, but his efforts have been ignored by the filling station authorities.
Eweje revealed that the community had written multiple letters to the State Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning and the Ministry of Environment, yet their assurances of action have not materialized.
A letter has also been sent to the national body of MRS Filling Station, but the residents are still awaiting a response.
Alhaja Lipede Shadia, a long-time trader in the community, expressed her sorrow over the economic impact of the blockage.
Lipede, who has been operating her business in the area since 1974, lamented that the closure of the route has caused her business to collapse.
“I can’t sell anything anymore. By 6:00 pm, I have to leave my shop. I cry every day,” she said.
Another resident, Mr. Ganiyu Ogungbe, voiced his frustration, pleading for the Ogun State Government to intervene in the matter.
He described the situation as becoming unbearable, as the community continues to suffer from the inconvenience and economic losses caused by the blocked entrance.
However, attempt to speak to the MRS management failed as the staff declined to speak with our correspondent when visited the station after the protest.
A staff told the reporter their manager was not on the seat , having heard the reason for the visit .
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