Ibadan, Oyo – In a shocking turn of events, the family of the late Solomon Oladayo Olanrewaju has rejected a house constructed by Ahmak Engineering Company, an Oyo-based firm, citing the use of substandard materials.

The incomplete structure, intended as compensation for the family following the worker’s death on duty in 2017, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability.

The controversy erupted after Sahara Reporters published an image of the partially built house, highlighting visible flaws such as uneven walls and apparent structural weaknesses, marked with red arrows.

The family, led by Matthew Oladayo, the deceased’s immediate elder brother, described the building as a “donkey house,” unworthy of a reputable engineering company.

“The quality of the material used we are not satisfied with it. There is a lack of supervision. Being an engineering company, I don’t expect them to build that,” Matthew told Sahara Reporters.

The dispute traces back to March 1, 2017, when Solomon Oladayo Olanrewaju, a casual worker, tragically lost his life at Ahmak Engineering’s construction site on No. 19 Kobiowu Crescent, Iyaganku, GRA, Ibadan.

Following his death, an agreement was signed on March 8, 2017, between the company and the family, represented by Matthew Olabode Olanrewaju. The terms stipulated that Ahmak Engineering would construct a completed bungalow for the family by September 10, 2017.

However, work was abandoned in August 2017, leaving the structure in a dilapidated state for over eight years.

The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has condemned the company’s failure to honor the agreement, accusing Ahmak Engineering of neglecting its obligations despite repeated appeals from the family, their lawyer, and the organization itself.

In an open letter dated August 19, 2025, CDWR gave the company a 14-day ultimatum to fulfill its promise, a deadline that has since passed without resolution.

Matthew Oladayo expressed deep frustration, alleging that the company, which handles multimillion-naira government contracts for roads and infrastructure, is exploiting the family’s vulnerability.

“This person gave his best to the company. In fact, he died on active duty, and the best the company can do is to give him the due respect that he deserves,” he said.

He further described the situation as a “second round of pain,” following the initial grief of losing their son.

The family has demanded the establishment of a joint supervision team to oversee the construction and ensure the use of quality materials, including proper finishing such as wiring, windows, and fencing. They have also rejected the mediation claims of Mr. Nelson Obafemi, the company’s Quantity Surveyor, who admitted the house remains incomplete but insisted work had resumed.

Matthew dismissed Obafemi’s involvement, calling him dishonest and accusing him of financial diversion.

Efforts by Sahara Reporters to obtain a response from Obafemi were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or reply to messages.

The Managing Director of Ahmak Engineering, Mr. Kazeem Amadu, referred inquiries to Obafemi, leaving the company’s official stance unclear.

As the family vows to pursue legal action if necessary, this case has ignited broader discussions about corporate responsibility and the treatment of workers’ families in Nigeria’s construction industry.

The unfinished house stands as a stark symbol of unfulfilled promises, with the Oladayo family determined to see justice served.