Ibadan Civil Servant abandons home over deplorable road

A civil servant in Ibadan, identified as Mr. Kolapo, has been forced to abandon his three-bedroom apartment due to the severely dilapidated state of the Ajibode-Laniba-Lagbeja-Akingbile road.

The crucial artery, located in the Akinyele local government area of Oyo State, serves as a vital link for over 52 communities and villages, including Ajibode, Laniba, Balogun, Adeogun, and Akingbile.

While issues like poor electricity or water access often drive residents from their homes, Mr. Kolapo’s decision was based solely on the daily struggle he and his family faced navigating the treacherous road.

He is not alone; thousands of residents, including many landlords and landladies, have reportedly deserted their properties for the same reason.

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Investigations reveal a history of neglect for the road. Its construction began in 2011 under the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, following a major flood that devastated parts of Ibadan.

However, the project was never completed. While sections from Ajibode to Laniba and from Akingbile to Lagbeja were paved, the critical stretch between Laniba and Lagbeja was left unfinished.

The current administration, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, has made some attempts to address the issue. A recent visit to the area showed that one side of a drainage channel was constructed along the neglected section, but work on the second side has since been abandoned.

Alhaji Owolabi Akanji, Chairman of the Adeogun community, highlighted the security risks posed by the abandoned project.

“The road serves over 52 communities,” Akanji explained. “Ajimobi started the construction after the 2011 flood to create alternative routes. He built from Ajibode to Laniba and from Akingbile to Lagbeja, but the part in between, about four kilometres, was left. Under Makinde, they built one side of the drainage but abandoned the other. The road is bad, and it is posing security risks for the people.”

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Akanji added that criminal elements are exploiting the poor conditions to carry out illicit activities. He noted that the affected communities have sent numerous letters to the government without receiving a positive response, forcing them to resort to self-help.

“We have made several appeals to the government to come to our rescue,” he said. “What we normally do is task ourselves and contribute money to fill some potholes. It is unfortunate that landlords and landladies have abandoned their houses. You know that when a road is motorable, it will attract development.”

Another resident, Mr. Ayobami Iyanda from the Falao community, confirmed that the situation is worsening daily, especially during the rainy season when roads become impassable for vehicles.

“The roads are getting worse day by day,” Iyanda stated. “As I am talking right now, we are grading some portions of the road by ourselves. The road was re-awarded sometime around 2022, and the drainage on one side was fixed, while the other side was only about 30% completed.”

Residents of several communities, including Lagbeja, Oyafi, and Kankun, are calling on the Oyo State government to complete a long-abandoned road project, citing severe degradation and safety concerns.

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The road, which has fallen into disrepair, is now heavily eroded and nearly impassable. One resident described the situation, stating, “Since then, the road has been abandoned, which has opened it to erosion and is highly degraded. It is very difficult to ply and has become a den for miscreants.”

Mr. Alabi, a resident of Lagbeja, explained that the poor condition of the road is isolating his community. “We are suffering in this community because of the bad condition of the road,” he said. “It has affected the progress of this community. We want the state government to come and complete it on time.”

The hardship is particularly acute for the most vulnerable members of the community. Mrs. Okunola from Oyafi highlighted the difficulties faced by women, children, and the elderly. “The women, children, and the elderly people are the ones suffering most,” she lamented. “It is painful that it has been abandoned.”

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The road’s deterioration has forced many to alter their daily lives significantly. Mr. Akanmu, a Kankun resident, noted that the road is no longer suitable for vehicles. “Many people in the communities have abandoned their houses, some car owners have abandoned their cars at home,” he explained. “We want the state government to come to our aid. Makinde should not wait until the end of his tenure before he will come and complete this road.”

In response to the residents’ concerns, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, assured the public that the project would not be forgotten.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Olanrewaju affirmed the administration’s commitment to finishing all ongoing projects. “Oyo State governor has promised that he will not abandon any project,” he stated. “So, if the construction of that road has started by this administration, you can be rest assured that before the end of the tenure of Governor Seyi Makinde, the road will be completed.”