Oyo Residents Decry Deplorable Road Condition

Residents of Elebu in Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State, have lamented the deplorable condition of their road, appealing to Governor Seyi Makinde to reconstruct the Elebu road without further delay.

The residents who spoke with newsmen during a visit to the community noted that Makinde had promised to reconstruct the roads a few years ago.

While appealing to the governor to fulfil his promise, they stated that the bad condition of the road had affected the socio-economic status of the area.

The Elebu road, which spans a circular road corridor and is currently in bad condition, serves over 50 communities and 250,000 inhabitants.

It was learnt that the road was first constructed during the administration of the immediate past Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

However, the road is currently in poor condition, making it difficult for motorists and commuters to travel on it.

A resident, Mr Dolapo Ajao, who spoke with journalists, noted that the deplorable condition of the road was negatively affecting the social and economic life of the residents in the communities.

According to him, several efforts were made to ensure that the government came to their aid, but to no avail. He added that the road is now a source of worry for the residents, especially during the rainy season.

“As you can see, this is the road. The road is in a bad condition. We are facing numerous challenges on this road, especially during the rainy season. The route is always impassable. Economic activities are being affected.

“In fact, some residents have abandoned their houses as a result of bad roads. We have over 250,000 people in these communities,’’ he said.

Another resident, Mrs Iyabode Aina, said that some youths, communities, and individuals have made several efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people.

She used the opportunity to appeal to the state government to ensure that the reconstruction begins in earnest.

A few years ago, some youths in the community came together to take on other members of the community and made efforts to alleviate their suffering.

“Also, some communities have made efforts to reduce the hardship we are facing on this road. About two years ago, they graded the road and filled it to minimise the hardship. That was two years ago.

“When Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, former NURTW chairman, was alive, he used to grade this road and support the community, but this has stopped since he died. The road is in bad condition, as you can see for yourself,” he said.