Awotunde Retracts Statement on NIPU, Admits Prism Steel’s Environmental Hazards After Backlash

The Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Otunba Sarafadeen Abiodun Awotunde, has retracted his earlier position where he appeared to belittle the National Ikirun Progressive Union (NIPU) and excluded it from critical stakeholder engagement over Prism Steel Mills’ operations in Ikirun.

In a fresh letter addressed to NIPU, Awotunde admitted that his previous description of the body as a “club” was a misrepresentation and pledged his recognition of NIPU as a central pillar of Ikirun’s development. He described the union as the “mother of all development associations in Ikirun,” stressing that he values its contributions both at home and abroad.

Awotunde also acknowledged the environmental concerns raised by residents and stakeholders over Prism Steel Mills, noting that the company has been a source of pollution in the community.

He recalled his past involvement in efforts to shut down the company, saying: “I’m aware of their environmental pollution and the gravity of their hazardous activities. I have been instrumental, through the Ministry of Environment, to seal off the company twice in the previous years.”

The council boss said his commitment remains the overall progress of Ikirun, adding that he harbors no personal or vested interest in Prism Steel.

On criticisms over his earlier correspondence to the company, which failed to include NIPU, Awotunde announced that the memo would be reviewed and corrected. “I wish to inform you that the memo sent to the management of Prism Steel Mills will be reviewed. So also, we shall review the contents of the memo appropriately,” he wrote, requesting NIPU to indicate which of its branches should be formally reflected in the revised correspondence.

He cautioned against turning personal grievances into collective agitation but maintained that unity was vital for Ikirun’s future. “If any individual has any personal issue or grievance against me either political or chieftaincy issue, such individual should be bold enough to come out so that we can resolve whatever the issue is. Pretence under the umbrella of NIPU by dropping names is not logical,” he said.

Awotunde concluded by thanking stakeholders for their passion for Ikirun’s progress, reaffirming his signature phrase: “Agunbe agbewa ooo.”