Residents of Ijaregbe, Alatise, and adjoining communities in Osun State's Obokun Local Government Area are in dire need of a solution as the Ilesa-Ijaregbe link road, a major route connecting Ilesa to Ijebu-Jesa, has been completely washed off by flood. The road's collapse has left a wide crater with muddy water overflowing from the broken culvert, rendering it impassable for vehicles and motorcycles. This development has significantly impacted social and economic activities in the area.
The Ilesa-Ijaregbe link road collapse is not an isolated incident, as another road in Osogbo, the state's capital, is also in a deplorable condition. The Oke-Baale – Sasa road has a deep gully gradually encroaching into the busy road, posing a significant threat to road users. The gully, situated after the Onababaona roundabout, has left a large crater with exposed cables and utility pipes dangling dangerously.
Recent torrential rainfall in Osogbo and other parts of the state has exacerbated the erosion, expanding the gully closer to the main carriageway. Motorists plying the route are exercising extreme caution, as any slight mistake could plunge a vehicle into the deep pit, especially at night when visibility is poor. A commercial motorcyclist, Tunde Akinwale, lamented that the spot has become too dangerous, with many of his colleagues avoiding the road entirely.
The situation has left residents and road users in a state of fear, particularly those living close to the erosion site. Mrs. Ramota Oladimeji, whose shop is near the erosion site, expressed her fear, saying she lives in dread every time it rains, as the sound of the crumbling earth keeps her awake. The situation is also a concern for school children, who pass through the road daily.
Drivers using the Oke-Baale – Sasa road to access the Osogbo-Ibokun axis are calling on the Osun State Government to urgently intervene. Mr. Kehinde Olatunbosun emphasized that the road links many communities and if left unattended, the entire road will collapse, leaving many people stranded.
Despite the outcry from residents and road users, no action has been taken by the government to address the situation. The only safety measure in place is a used tyre and a thin caution tape tied to sticks, which residents say is grossly inadequate to prevent an accident.
The affected residents are appealing to Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to urgently mobilise contractors to the site to fix the deplorable portion and construct proper drainage to save lives. The residents are waiting and praying that the road doesn’t claim lives.
Key points
- The Ilesa-Ijaregbe link road and Oke-Baale – Sasa road in Osun State have been severely damaged by flood and erosion.
- Residents are calling on Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene and provide a solution to the deplorable road conditions.
- The road collapses have significantly impacted social and economic activities in the affected areas.
