Onilekere–Onipetesi link bridge project: Ikeja LG pays N10M compensation to displaced victims

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Ikeja Local Government, under the leadership of the Executive Chairman, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda, fondly called AKOD, has presented a cheque for N10 million in compensation to the New Zion Gospel Church, which was affected by the ongoing construction of the Onilekere–Onipetesi Link Bridge.

According to council management, “the project is in furtherance of its commitment to infrastructural development and community connectivity.”

The church facility, situated adjacent to the project site, was identified as an obstruction to the seamless execution of the link bridge; an initiative designed to enhance mobility, ease traffic flow, and foster socio-economic integration between the Onilekere and Onipetesi communities.

Demonstrating exemplary leadership and adherence to due process, the Chairman had earlier engaged the church leadership in constructive dialogue, resulting in a mutual agreement for the church to vacate the site with a promise of compensation.

In fulfillment of this commitment, a cheque for ₦10,000,000 was on Wednesday formally presented to the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Benjamin Ebewo, and his Assistant Pastor, Etim Udoh.

Speaking during the brief presentation, the General Overseer expressed profound appreciation to the Chairman and the Ikeja Local Government for honoring the agreement.

He commended the administration for its sincerity and prayed for continued peace, progress, and success of the AKOD-led government and the entire Ikeja community.

In his remarks, Chairman AKOD reiterated that development must be pursued with fairness, respect, and responsibility.

He stressed that while infrastructure remains critical to growth, the rights and interests of stakeholders must always be duly considered.

“This administration remains committed to delivering impactful projects that improve the quality of life for our people.

Upon completion, the Onilekere–Onipetesi Link Bridge is expected to significantly improve inter-community access, reduce travel time, and stimulate local economic activities within Ikeja Local Government.