Residents of Osogbo, Osun State, are calling on Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently repair the Oke-Baale - Sasa road, which has developed a deep gully, posing a significant threat to road users. The gully, located after the Onababaona roundabout, has grown in recent weeks due to torrential rainfall, causing erosion and damage to the road. The situation has left residents and motorists worried about the risk of accidents, particularly at night.
The extent of the damage is alarming, with a large chunk of the roadside washed away, leaving only a narrow path for vehicles and pedestrians. Exposed cables and utility pipes dangle dangerously, while the remaining tarred portion continues to crack and cave in. Motorists are navigating the route with extreme caution, aware that any slight mistake could lead to a vehicle plunging into the deep pit.
Commercial motorcyclist Tunde Akinwale, who uses the route daily, expressed concern that the spot has become too dangerous. He noted that many of his colleagues now avoid the road entirely, citing the increased risk of accidents. Akinwale appealed to the government to repair the road before someone dies, stating that the gully has doubled in size since the rains started.
Resident Mrs. Ramota Oladimeji, whose shop is near the erosion site, lives in fear every time it rains, as the sound of the crumbling earth keeps her awake. She expressed worry about the safety of school children passing through the road daily, saying the situation is very dangerous for pedestrians. The sound of the road caving in during heavy rainfall has become a source of anxiety for her.
Driver Mr. Kehinde Olatunbosun, who uses the Oke-Baale - Sasa road to access the Osogbo-Ibokun axis, urged the Osun State Government to intervene urgently. He warned that if the portion is left unattended, the entire road will collapse, leaving many people stranded. Olatunbosun stressed that the road links many communities and is a major route that requires immediate attention.
Currently, the only safety measure in place is a used tyre and a thin caution tape tied to sticks, which residents consider grossly inadequate to prevent accidents. The affected residents are appealing to Governor Adeleke and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to mobilize contractors to the site to fix the deplorable portion and construct proper drainage to save lives.
The residents' appeal comes as the rainy season continues, and the situation is expected to worsen if urgent action is not taken. The government's prompt response is crucial to preventing further damage to the road and ensuring the safety of road users. The Oke-Baale - Sasa road is a vital route that requires immediate attention to prevent a major disaster.
Key points
- Osogbo residents are urging Gov Adeleke to fix the Oke-Baale - Sasa road due to a deep gully caused by erosion.
- The gully has grown in recent weeks due to torrential rainfall, posing a significant threat to road users.
- Residents are worried about the risk of accidents, particularly at night, and are calling for urgent repairs and proper drainage.
