Morayo Residents Demand Immediate Halt to Mortuary Project

Residents of Morayo, a community in Ondo West Local Government Area, are raising urgent concerns over the ongoing construction of a mortuary in their neighbourhood. They have appealed to the Ondo State Government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to intervene and stop the project, which they describe as unlawful and harmful to public health.

The protest, championed by the Morayo Landlords and Landladies Association, was formally lodged through a petition to the State Ministry of Health. Grand Patron of the association, Most Snr. Evan. Clement Akinmaye, condemned the decision to situate a mortuary in a densely populated residential zone.

“How can anyone reasonably consider placing such a facility in a community like ours?” Akinmaye queried. “The land’s original owner had planned to build a hall before his passing. We seek development projects that promote growth, not ventures like this.”

Echoing these sentiments, the community’s Youth President, Timilehin Akinmusayo, warned that the mortuary’s location, along the main access road could hinder the area’s progress and stir unrest. He alleged that the project, initiated months ago by developer Bayo Ademulegun, proceeded without consultation and ignored the earlier plan for an event centre.

“Our position remains a firm ‘no’, we are calling on the Ministry of Health and all relevant authorities to stop this illegal development” Akinmusayo said, further noting that the developer is not a medical professional and urging a review of the approval process.

The Forum for Human Rights Defence (FHRD), Ondo branch, also joined the call, stating in its petition that the project posed “unacceptable health risks and hazards” in violation of Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life.

The petition stressed that Morayo already hosts a cemetery—Christ Apostolic Church’s “Okuudu”—which has been marred by suspected desecration of graves and illicit removal of human parts. The presence of both a mortuary and cemetery, residents argue, would magnify health, safety, and psychological concerns.

Human rights advocate Comrade Bolawa Akindolie added that mortuary operations should be reserved for licensed medical professionals or government agencies, with strict regulation and oversight. He warned of potential dangers such as chemical emissions, health nuisances during prolonged power outages, and the emotional distress caused by such facilities in residential areas.

Akindolie urged the Ministry of Health to verify the legality of the project and, if necessary, issue an injunction. He further recommended a roundtable discussion between the developer and community leaders to seek a peaceful resolution.

“Our stand is for justice and community rights,” he affirmed, commending the state government’s efforts to safeguard public health while calling for decisive action on the Morayo mortuary dispute.