The administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State designed the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, the state capital, from what used to be a plank market and garage.

The park was designed to have a  garden at the centre with adequate sitting corners, planted trees, and flowers. Strategically placed were terracotta heads of past governors and administrators of the state. Close by those terracotta heads was a fountain protected by perimeter fencing.

Goats have taken over the bust sculptures of the state’s past military and civilian leaders erected in the park. The perimeter fencing had already fallen off.

Kamarudeen said, “Its previous state is better than this structure that is currently constructed. Before now, shops were constructed there, but, now, armed robbers can easily start living among residents here. It is not good enough this way.

“If they can find a solution to the abandoned park, they should construct it like a warehouse so that we can all benefit from it. It is not good that it is abandoned, they did not think well when constructing the park. It could have been better converted into a road where tolls can be collected.”