Residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, have expressed deep frustration over the continued takeover of government built car parks by car dealers and commercial operators, calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene before the situation worsens.
The car parks, which were constructed across major parts of the city to ease parking congestion, have now become informal marketplaces. Car dealers have moved in, displaying vehicles for sale, while traders, food vendors, and mechanics now occupy large portions of the designated parking areas.
A drive along Oba Adesida Road to Ilesha Garage, reveals the extent of the encroachment. The parks, originally designed to serve private car owners and reduce roadside parking, are now littered with cars for sale, blocked driveways, and makeshift stalls.
“This is not what these parks were built for,” said Engr Daniel Oke, a civil engineer. “We were happy when the government constructed them, but now we can’t even find a space to park. Car dealers have taken over everything. The government needs to act.”
Mr. Sikiru Aladesulu ,business man, lamented how he now risks parking far away from his shop due to lack of available space. “This is affecting everyone. These people are making money from public infrastructure, while the rest of us suffer. It’s not fair.”
The situation, many residents say, is also contributing to the increasing decay of public infrastructure in the city. Drainages are blocked by commercial activity, the park facilities are deteriorating due to misuse, and traffic congestion is worsening due to indiscriminate parking along roadsides.
Residents are calling on Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Ondo State Ministry of Transport to reclaim the parks, restore order, and ensure the infrastructure serves its original purpose.
“This administration has shown interest in urban renewal,” said a community leader Hon. Segun Ajibola” This is a chance to prove that commitment by sanitising our parks and reclaiming our public spaces.”
As Akure continues to expand, residents insist that proper urban management and enforcement of regulations must accompany development or else, the city’s infrastructure will collapse under commercial pressure.
