IDV Condemns Awotunde, Laments Hazard from Prism Steel in Ikirun
The Ikirun Development Vanguard (IDV) has condemned former caretaker chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Otunba Sarafadeen Abiodun Awotunde, over his recent remarks on the National Ikirun Progressive Union (NIPU), accusing him of belittling the collective efforts of the community people in fighting against the catastrophic hazards caused by the dangerous industrial activities of Prism Steel Mills despite the company’s harmful impact on the health and environment of Ikirun residents.
In a statement on Tuesday, IDV described Awotunde’s position as “an insult to the people of Ikirun” and a betrayal of their collective struggle against pollution.
“Ikirun belongs to all its people — Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists alike. Nobody has the right to divide us or silence NIPU, because NIPU is the collective identity of every indigene and resident,” the group declared.
Awotunde, in his September 4, 2025 statement, argued that as the constitutionally elected chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, he was not a “meddlesome interloper” but the rightful representative of Ikirun. He dismissed NIPU, Abuja Chapter, as partisan and alarmist, and described the umbrella body of all organizations in Ikirun as a “club”.
However, IDV insisted that his position was “false and mischievous,” stressing that NIPU is not a faction but the umbrella organisation that unites every son and daughter of Ikirun, whether at home or abroad.
The Vanguard also faulted Awotunde for reducing Ikirun to only Christians and Muslims, describing his position as both divisive and insulting. “Religion cannot be used as a political shield. CAN covers Christians, League of Imams covers Muslims — but who represents the Onisese in Ikirun? They are equal stakeholders in the destiny of this town,” IDV stated.
Prominent community voices have echoed IDV’s position. Afolabi Abiodun of Ikirun Parapo Odikan said, “It’s a pity and very unfortunate that NIPU is being dismissed. NIPU is a combined intellectual faculty of progressive-minded people committed to Ikirun’s development. Stop calling NIPU a club. Nobody can relegate NIPU; it will continue waxing stronger.”
Similarly, Azeez Moronkola Lawal said, “NIPU is father of all organisations operating within Ikirun, whether political or social. We need to understand each other and think about how to move Ikirun forward. Agunbe Agbewa oo.”
Ajisefinni also rebuked Awotunde’s position, stressing that his use of religion as cover was unacceptable. “Religion is the cheapest instrument politicians use. NIPU has social responsibility to address the wickedness and nonchalant attitudes of Prism Steel,” he said.
According to IDV, the real crisis facing Ikirun is not political rivalry but environmental survival. For years, Prism Steel has poisoned Ikirun’s air and environment with hazardous emissions, unchecked by local government action.
“The real enemy is not NIPU. The real enemy is Prism Steel’s pollution, and the politics of betrayal that shields it,” the group warned.
It reiterated that every Ikirun indigene — Christian, Muslim, or traditionalist — is a member of NIPU by birthright. “NIPU is Ikirun, and Ikirun is NIPU. No politician can erase that,” IDV concluded.
