Erosion, Abandoned Road Restrict Delta Monarch To Palace

The traditional ruler of Ebu Kingdom in Oshimili North local government area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Onu Odilile Paul Opili, has been caged in the palace over the growing impact of erosion across the community.

While several roads have been washed away, isolating the kingdom from the rest of the state, the royal father said he is frustrated over his inability to move freely or receive visitors due to the deteriorating condition of the road.

Speaking on the development, the monarch lamented that the road project, which was reportedly awarded during the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has been abandoned for over three years, leaving the palace and surrounding areas largely inaccessible.

“Unfortunately, we do not have anyone in government to speak for us anymore. We used to have Shimite Bello, but she is now late. I am practically caged in the palace. I can hardly go out, and visitors cannot access the palace because the abandoned road has now been severely devastated by erosion,” he said.

The monarch appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently intervene by either directing the contractor back to site or re-award the project to a more capable firm.

According to him, Ebu Kingdom has consistently supported successive administrations in the state and maintained peace and order, yet the community has continued to suffer neglect.

“We have always played our democratic role in supporting the government and ensuring peace in our kingdom. Unfortunately, we do not have anyone in government to speak for us anymore. We used to have Shimite Bello, but she is late now,” he stated.

The royal father further lamented over the worsening erosion menace and the deplorable state of the access road leading to his palace.

“Erosion is ravaging our community and destroying the roads we have been managing over the years. We are gradually being cut off from the rest of the state. Even the federal road linking this axis to Abuja has been badly damaged by heavy-duty vehicles, posing serious risks to lives and property,” he added.

The monarch reiterated that the abandoned road project leading to the palace, Ebu Grammar School and the community health centre, has become a major source of concern for residents.

Findings also showed that sections of the drainage pavements already constructed along the road have started collapsing due to erosion, while the fence of Ubueni Primary School, reportedly demolished to create an alternative access route, has yet to be reconstructed, thereby exposing pupils and teachers to security risks.

Further findings revealed that the project, identified as the Ilo-Ebu Grammar School Road, was awarded to Technology Partners International Nigeria Limited.