Growing public concern over rising housing costs in Akure has sparked a wave of reactions across social media, following widespread allegations of excessive and exploitative practices by house agents operating in the city.
The issue gained renewed attention after an awareness initiative tagged “Stop Akure House Agent Extortion” was launched by The Akure City platform, igniting extensive public discourse and drawing testimonies from residents who say securing accommodation has become increasingly unaffordable for average income earners.
Since the campaign began, hundreds of Akure residents have shared personal experiences describing steep agent fees, inflated rental packages, and alleged manipulation of landlords to force rent hikes or tenant displacement.
Many contributors argue that the current situation has placed unnecessary financial strain on families, young professionals, and low income earners seeking basic housing.
Several residents allege that some agents impose charges that significantly exceed the actual rent, with total packages for modest apartments reportedly running hundreds of thousands of naira above annual rent costs.
Others claim agents pressure landlords to evict existing tenants in order to secure fresh commissions from new occupants.
The public conversation has also revived debate over accountability within the housing sector. While many residents point fingers at agents, others insist that landlords who permit or encourage such practices share equal responsibility.
Calls for stronger regulation, transparency, and ethical standards within the real estate and rental space have become increasingly prominent.
Beyond online engagement, residents are now urging broader action. Suggestions include public sensitization through radio programs, direct landlord-to-tenant engagement to bypass middlemen, and possible peaceful demonstrations to draw the attention of relevant government authorities.
As conversations continue to gain momentum, residents say the campaign represents more than online activism, it reflects a collective demand for fairness, affordability, and oversight in Akure’s housing market.
Findings have shown that a 2 Bedroom goes for as high as N600,000 with the agents asking for extra N200,000 for agreement fee, caution fee and agent’s service charge, while some goes for as much as N1,000,000 for a total package of a 2 Bedroom flat apartment, in some areas of the Sunshine State Capital.
Palace Pulse News will continue to monitor developments and public responses surrounding the campaign.
Palace Pulse News
Akure, Ondo State.
