Residents across Osun State are raising their voices against what they describe as exploitative and unjustified rent hikes imposed by landlords, deepening the economic hardship already faced by many households in the region.
Over the past few months, tenants in urban centers like Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and Ilesa have reported sharp increases in rental charges—some by as much as 50%—without any corresponding improvements in housing conditions or infrastructure. This development has sparked outrage among renters, many of whom are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.
“I used to pay ₦120,000 for my two-bedroom apartment. Now my landlord is demanding ₦180,000,” lamented Tunde Afolabi, a civil servant in Osogbo. “My salary has not increased, but everything else—from food to transportation to rent—is climbing. It’s unsustainable.”
The landlords, on their part, cite inflation, high building material costs, and property tax increases as justification for the rent spikes. According to them, the current economic climate leaves them with no choice but to adjust rental fees to stay afloat.
However, tenants and advocacy groups argue that the hikes are arbitrary and exploitative, particularly in cases where landlords fail to invest in property maintenance or provide basic amenities. “Many of these homes lack water, proper drainage, and electricity,” said Bukola Adeyemi, a housing rights advocate. “How can landlords justify increasing rents when the living conditions remain deplorable?”
The controversy has prompted calls for urgent government intervention. Several civic organizations and tenant associations are urging the Osun State government to implement rental regulation policies to curb arbitrary increases and protect low- and middle-income earners.
“There needs to be a fair and transparent process that balances the interests of landlords and tenants,” said Comrade Seyi Olatunde, leader of the Osun Tenants’ Welfare Forum. “Otherwise, we will see a rise in homelessness and forced evictions.”
Economists warn that the situation in Osun is reflective of a larger national housing crisis. With inflation continuing to rise, and wages remaining largely stagnant, affordability is becoming a major issue in urban and semi-urban Nigeria. The National Bureau of Statistics has also flagged housing as one of the key components driving the cost-of-living index upward.
In response to public pressure, a spokesperson for the Osun State Ministry of Lands and Housing stated that the government is monitoring the situation and exploring policies to address housing affordability. “We are aware of the concerns and are working on frameworks to ensure fairness in the rental sector,” the official noted, without providing specific timelines or proposals.
As tenants continue to bear the brunt of these rent hikes, many are considering relocation or cohabiting with extended family to ease the financial strain. Others are simply calling for justice and accountability.
“This is not just about rent—it’s about the right to live with dignity,” said Osun resident Aisha Salami. “We’re not asking for luxury. We’re asking for fairness.”
Source : Swifteradio.com
