The Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Lukman Adesola Ojo-Fadipe, has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to rehabilitate the Otan-Ayegbaju–Ila-Orangun road. The monarch's call is echoed by motorists and transport operators who use the route daily. A recent visit to the highway revealed extensive damage, with several sections washed off and others badly deteriorated, making movement difficult and risky.
The road serves as a major link between Otan-Ayegbaju and Ila-Orangun, the hometown of Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi and Hon. Clement Akanni. Oba Ojo-Fadipe identified three critical spots weakened by flooding, which have compromised the road's infrastructure. He emphasized that vehicular movement is becoming increasingly challenging and urged the government to act swiftly to prevent loss of lives.
The traditional ruler pinpointed Oke-Ola, Akerekete, and Popogbooro as areas in critical condition. Akerekete, in particular, is described as a death trap for travellers between Ila-Orangun, Otan-Ayegbaju, Ikirun, and Osogbo. The Owa urged the state government to direct the Ministry of Works to assess the road immediately and undertake necessary repairs.
Azeez Fabunmi, Chairman of the Commercial Motorcycle Riders Union in Boluwaduro LGA, attributed the extensive damage to recent heavy and prolonged rainfall. He stressed that the road's economic importance extends beyond Osun, serving as a transit route for travellers heading to Kogi, Benue, and Abuja. Fabunmi pleaded with the government to fix the road to protect the lives of road users nationwide.
Community leader Amos Sasona disclosed that the Akerekete bridge section has narrowed to a single lane, making it impossible for two vehicles to pass side by side. He warned that a total collapse would cut off transit between Ila-Orangun and Osogbo, putting night travellers at great risk. Sasona expressed concern for drivers unfamiliar with the terrain, especially at night, who could easily plunge into the ditch.
Other stakeholders, including Dauda Oyeniyi and Aare Adetunji Mosebolatan, President of the Otan-Ayegbaju Progressive Union (OAPU), joined in the appeal for urgent repairs. Mosebolatan noted that while the community has carried out self-help repairs on internal roads, the damage on the interstate highway requires state intervention to avert a major disaster.
The stakeholders' collective appeal underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for prompt government action to prevent a catastrophe. With the road's condition deteriorating rapidly, the government faces mounting pressure to address the issue and ensure the safety of road users.
Key points
- The Otan-Ayegbaju–Ila-Orangun road is on the verge of collapse due to extensive damage from flooding and heavy rainfall.
- The road's deterioration poses a significant risk to travellers, particularly at night, and could cut off transit between Ila-Orangun and Osogbo if not addressed urgently.
- Stakeholders, including the Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju and transport union representatives, are calling on the Osun state government to intervene and undertake repairs to prevent a major disaster.
