Protest looms in Ondo as coastal communities decry extinction threat

The Coalition of Ilaje Ravaged Communities, with advocacy support from the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) will on Thursday, hold a peaceful protest to draw attention to the worsening environmental and humanitarian crisis threatening coastal communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The protest, tagged “Operation Save Ilaje: Protect Our Coastal Communities from Extinction,” will bring together affected residents and members of no fewer than 20 communities, including Ayetoro, Awoye, Mese, Gbagira, Jiringho, Ilowo, Ilepete, Idiogba, Oroto, Alagbon, Erunona, Olotu, Yaye, Womitenren, Ogboti, Lepe, Ehinmore, Abetobo, and Abereke to demand urgent and concrete action from the Federal and Ondo State Governments to address the devastating impacts of ocean surges, coastal erosion, oil spills and environmental degradation in the region.

The event will hold at the Ilaje Local Government Headquarters, Igbokoda, Ondo State

For decades, communities along the Ilaje coastline have watched their homes, farmlands, fishing grounds and other sources of livelihood disappear under the combined pressures of rising seas, coastal erosion and pollution. The situation has become particularly critical in communities including Ayetoro and Abereke, where residents are increasingly confronted with displacement and the loss of their ancestral homes.

The communities are demanding, among other measures: Urgent and effective intervention to halt further coastal erosion and sea incursions; Construction of scientifically designed and fit-for-purpose coastal protection infrastructure; Comprehensive environmental assessments and clean-up of oil-polluted areas; Accountability and remediation by companies responsible for environmental damage; Adequate compensation and livelihood restoration for affected residents; Immediate action to protect fishing grounds, aquatic ecosystems and other community livelihoods; and Greater transparency and community participation in all government interventions affecting the Ilaje coastline.