“FUNAAB Professor Killed in Hit-and-Run on Abeokuta Road”
Residents of the Ajebo Road Housing Estate in Kemta, Abeokuta, have been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Professor Oladipo Ademuyiwa, a distinguished Professor of Biochemical Toxicology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The professor, in his early 60s, was killed by a hit-and-run driver on the newly rehabilitated Kemta-Somorin road on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
According to reports, Prof Ademuyiwa had just alighted from a cab and was attempting to cross the road from the Prof Wole Soyinka end when a reckless driver struck him and fled the scene.
Dr. Ayo Ajasa, Chairman of the Ajebo Road Housing Estate Community Development Association (CDA), expressed profound sorrow over the incident. In a statement released on Tuesday, Ajasa described the death of the university lecturer as completely avoidable, criticizing the Ogun State government for failing to act on several past pleas from the community for the installation of speed breakers on the road.
“This tragic incident once again highlights the urgent need for government intervention on this road,” Ajasa said. “Despite repeated requests to the Ogun State government and relevant authorities to install speed breakers and other safety measures, no action has been taken.”
Ajasa noted that while speed bumps were installed at the Ilugun end of the road, Ajebo Road Housing Estate residents’ calls for similar safety measures were ignored. He urged the state government to urgently install speed breakers, lorry barriers, and clear traffic signage to prevent further accidents. Ajasa also called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to curb excessive speeding within the estate.
“This community should not have to endure repeated accidents and loss of life due to government inaction,” he emphasized. “The death of Professor Ademuyiwa is a huge loss not only to our community but to the country, given his invaluable contributions to education and knowledge sharing.”
In addition to the professor’s death, Ajasa revealed that another accident had occurred within 24 hours of the incident, proving that the road remains a dangerous “death trap.” He called on the Governor of Ogun State to act immediately to prevent further tragedies.
The community also appealed to the media, civil society organizations, and concerned Nigerians to amplify the call for justice and safer roads in the area, ensuring that no more lives are lost to avoidable accidents.
