Community accuses developer of deception, demands urgent government intervention over illegal fuel station project in residential area.
Residents of Praise Hill Estate in Arepo, a fast-growing community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, have raised alarm over the covert construction of what they fear is a petrol filling station in a densely populated residential zone.
The development, initially presented as a shopping mall, has sparked outrage and safety concerns within the neighbourhood.
In a protest letter dated April 9, 2025, addressed to the Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, the estate’s residents cited evidence of underground fuel tanks being installed at the site.
The construction is taking place between Praise Hill Estate and a branch of the Foursquare Gospel Church, close to schools, churches, and homes—raising fears of a potential safety hazard.
Background: Promised Mall, Secret Petrol Station
According to the residents, the original documentation from the developer indicated plans for a multipurpose commercial mall.
However, observations by locals and corroborated reports from a PUNCH Metro correspondent revealed suspicious nighttime activities at the site, including the burial of large underground tanks.
These tanks, believed to be fuel storage containers, were allegedly brought in secretly and installed under cover of darkness.
Community leaders, including the senior pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Kola Owolabi, expressed dismay over the development.
“This area already has multiple filling stations between Wawa and Ibafo. The road is too narrow for tanker access, and it’s too risky to have a petrol station this close to homes, schools, and worship centres,” he said.
The estate’s residents added that a request had been made by the property owner’s legal counsel, Yewande Aluko, to shift the estate gate to allow truck access to the site—further suggesting a fuel-related purpose rather than a retail mall.
Despite the community’s protest and the submission of the formal complaint to the Ogun State government, there has been no official response from Commissioner Tunji Odunlami as of the time of reporting.
Outlook: Legal, Environmental Scrutiny Likely
Legal experts and urban planning advocates say the development could violate Ogun State’s urban planning laws, particularly if proper approvals were bypassed or construction details were misrepresented.
The absence of a mandatory project board at the construction site has further fuelled suspicions, as such signage is typically required under state building regulations.
Community leaders are urging the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning to halt the project pending a full investigation.
“We are calling on the state government to ensure a thorough review of this development and guarantee that environmental, health, and safety standards are not compromised,” read the letter signed by Praise Hill Estate’s chairman and secretary, Timi Oyelowo and Oluwabunmi Oluwatosin.
If substantiated, the project may face revocation of permits and potential legal action for misrepresentation and endangerment of public safety.
As Ogun State continues to experience rapid residential growth, urban policy analysts warn that unchecked commercial expansion, especially involving sensitive infrastructure like fuel stations, could threaten lives and disrupt community planning.
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