The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has begun the distribution of relief materials to communities in Ilaje Local Government Area following an alleged attack by naval personnel.
The intervention was carried out on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje LGA.
The incident, which occurred in October last year, reportedly involved personnel of the Nigerian Navy who allegedly invaded the communities of Obejedo, Obe-Adun, and Obe-Nla, destroying properties worth millions of naira and displacing several residents.
Following the incident, affected residents petitioned the Nigerian Police and other relevant authorities, calling for an investigation into the matter.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Biyi Poroye, said the commission acted on the directive of the state governor after an assessment visit and submission of recommendations.
According to him, the relief materials—valued at N400 million—include mattresses, food items, washing machines, and other household essentials.
“The motive behind these relief materials is to ameliorate the suffering of the people affected in the misunderstanding between some Ilaje communities and naval personnel. The governor has also urged our people to exercise patience, especially in engagements with military personnel,” he said.
Poroye added that the approved funds were judiciously utilised for tangible interventions, including the reconstruction of damaged buildings.
“You cannot just hand over money to people without accountability. What you have seen here reflects how the N400 million approved by the governor has been utilised,” he added.
Highlighting other achievements of the commission, Poroye noted that about seven jetties have been completed across various communities, while abandoned and ongoing projects have received renewed attention. He also cited the rehabilitation of the Agadagba hospital, which had been neglected for 16 years, and the renovation of schools in Ilaje.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the OSOPADEC Palliative Committee, Dr Ola Judah, described the intervention as purposeful and impactful.
He disclosed that the committee facilitated the construction of 12 units of three-bedroom houses and the rehabilitation of 14 others.
“This intervention is aimed at restoring stability and improving living conditions for affected families,” Judah said.
He added that to boost local economic recovery, the commission provided 15 Yamaha outboard engines, 13 fishing boats, and established a modern bakery for the communities.
