A professor of Biochemical Toxicology at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Oladipo Ademuyiwa has died from injuries sustained after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on the newly rehabilitated Kemta-Somorin road.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday, has plunged residents of Ajebo Road Housing Estate, Kemta, Abeokuta, into mourning, as they decry the government’s failure to implement safety measures on the road.
Ademuyiwa, in his early 60s, had just stepped out of a cab and was attempting to cross from the Prof Wole Soyinka end when an over-speeding driver rammed into him and sped off, leaving him fatally injured.
Dr Ayo Ajasa, Chairman of Ajebo Road Housing Estate Community Development Association, described the professor’s death as a devastating loss to the community and the nation, emphasizing his immense contributions to academia and society.
“This unfortunate incident, which occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2025, has once again exposed the dire need for immediate government intervention to prevent further tragedies on this road,” Ajasa said.
He lamented that despite repeated appeals to the Ogun State government for speed breakers and other safety measures, no action had been taken to protect pedestrians and residents.
“The government did not hesitate in installing speed bumps on the Ilugun end of the road but ignored our persistent requests to safeguard lives in Ajebo Road Housing Estate,” he stated.
The community leader urged the government to urgently install speed breakers, lorry barriers, and clear traffic signage to caution motorists against reckless driving. He also called for stricter law enforcement to curb excessive speeding, noting that within 24 hours of the professor’s tragic death, another accident had already occurred on the same road.
“We hold the government accountable and call on the Governor of Ogun State to intervene immediately before more lives are lost,” Ajasa stated.
He appealed to the media, civil society organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to amplify the call for justice and safer roads in the community.
Reported by Sahara Reporters.
