Residents of Ajebo Road Housing Estate, Kemta, Abeokuta, are in mourning following the tragic death of Professor Oladipo Ademuyiwa, a renowned Biochemical Toxicology expert at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The professor was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on the newly rehabilitated Kemta-Somorin road on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Eyewitnesses reported that Prof. Ademuyiwa, in his early 60s, had just alighted from a cab and was attempting to cross the road near the Prof. Wole Soyinka end when a speeding vehicle hit him and fled the scene.
Dr. Ayo Ajasa, Chairman of the Ajebo Road Housing Estate Community Development Association (CDA), condemned the incident, calling it a preventable tragedy that highlights the urgent need for safety measures on the road.
“Despite multiple appeals to the Ogun State government for speed breakers and other traffic control measures, our requests have been ignored. The government installed speed bumps on the Ilugun end but neglected the safety of residents in our estate,” Ajasa stated.
He stressed that the professor’s death is a significant loss to both the academic community and the nation, given his contributions to research and education.
To prevent further tragedies, Ajasa urged the state government to immediately install speed breakers, lorry barriers, and clear traffic signage to curb reckless driving. He also called for stricter enforcement of speed limits within the estate.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by another accident occurring within 24 hours of the professor’s death, reinforcing fears that the road remains a hazard to residents.
“We hold the government accountable and call on the Governor of Ogun State to act before more lives are lost. We also urge the media, civil society organizations, and concerned Nigerians to support our demand for justice and safer roads,” Ajasa concluded.
