The demolition of part of the structures of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Lagere, Ile-Ife, Osun State; is coming at about four years after the previous demolition in Year 2020.

It is recalled that the previous demolition took place during the proposed reconstruction of the Federal Express Road passing through Ile-Ife.

Though up till this moment, there hasn’t been any significant progress of the construction of the express road apart from the obvious demolition of buildings, homes, offices and shops without compensations.

The demolished fence and building was later reconstructed and repainted by the parish Church at that time.

The recent demolition is due to approved construction of Flyover located at Lagere area of Ile-Ife; which is a project of the Osun State government, under Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke to the people.

Though many have questioned why the need for flyover within the said location, the demolition which was scheduled for August 12 took a standstill on getting to the Parish because of failure of communication or compensation notification from the government to the Church.

After some back-and-forth, there was a signed agreement between the contractor of the construction company, Sammya Nigeria Limited and the Church. 

The agreement stated that Sammya wouldmreconstruct the affected structures of the Church, within one month of demolition; bearing all expenses. The agreement was signed by Mr Laide Omotoso (Director), Engr. Lateef

Adesina and Engr. Michael Adebayo for Sammya Nigeria Limited; while Rev. Fr. (Dr) Peter Adeyemi (Parish Priest), Rev. Fr. Andrew Fasina (Assistant Parish Priest) and Brother Clement Owolabi signed for the Church. 

The construction will consume few meters farther behind the current fence which necessitated the demolition of the security house and other structures. Apart from the Church’s structures, several other structures were demolished, which may not be compensated for from the look of things.