By Adeyinka Adeniran
In a passionate appeal for rapid intervention, Hon. Jimoh Lukman, the APC Whip and representative of Oorelope State constituency, has tabled a motion before the Oyo State House of Assembly, calling on the Executive arm of government and emergency response agencies to immediately provide relief to victims of a devastating rainstorm that struck Igboho and its environs on the night of July 8, 2025.
The motion detailed the extensive destruction caused by the torrential downpour and accompanying windstorm which lasted from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
The rainstorm reportedly displaced thousands, blew off rooftops, collapsed buildings, and damaged critical infrastructure, leaving over 300 homes either completely destroyed or severely affected in communities such as Modeke, Ago, Obaago, Oke-Afin, Owode, and Bonni.
Jimoh reported that Modeke was the hardest hit, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the total damage.
He expressed deep concern over the conditions of the affected residents, noting that many now live without shelter, relying on the goodwill of neighbors due to the local government’s limited resources and inability to mount a swift emergency response.
Referencing the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMET) flood alert for July, which includes Oyo State among twenty vulnerable states nationwide, the lawmaker criticized the lack of preparedness and stressed the need for effective utilization of ecological funds to enhance disaster management across flood-prone areas.
The Motion resolved to appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde to instruct the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYOSEMA) to urgently provide shelter and distribute relief materials to displaced residents in affected communities.
It called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with OYOSEMA to conduct a comprehensive spot assessment of the disaster’s impact and fast-track support to victims.
The Motion directed the Chairman of Oorelope Local Government to initiate immediate processes to deliver temporary shelter and relief aid to affected households.
Hon. Jimoh emphasized that in the face of mounting economic hardships and displacement, government assistance is not just necessary, it is a moral imperative.
He commended Governor Makinde’s compassionate leadership and expressed optimism that timely intervention will bring hope and healing to his constituents.
