Residents and advocates have repeatedly warned that Ayetoro risks disappearing entirely if urgent intervention is not undertaken.
Ayetoro, a historic coastal community in Ondo State, is facing an escalating environmental disaster as relentless ocean surges continue to destroy homes, infrastructure and cultural heritage, with critics accusing successive governments of abandoning the town to its fate.
The renewed concern follows growing public attention on the worsening sea incursion threatening the Ilaje community, which has dominated media reports and social media discussions in recent days.
On World Environment Day, the Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye appealed for partnerships and external support to address the environmental challenges confronting Ayetoro and other vulnerable coastal communities within the state's oil-producing areas.
However, the appeal has sparked criticism from stakeholders who argue that authorities have failed to act decisively despite years of warnings and substantial financial resources available to tackle the crisis.
