Ijoka Residents Take to the Streets Over Deplorable Road Condition
Frustrated residents of Ijoka community in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State brought socio-economic activities to a standstill on Monday as they protested the abandoned and terrible state of their major road.
The angry community members mounted barricades using wood logs and piles of stones as early as 7:00 am, forcing hundreds of commuters to abandon their vehicles and trek long distances to reach their destinations.
Gridlock Spreads Across Akure Metropolis
The massive protest created a traffic gridlock that stretched into adjoining major routes including Oda Road and Oluwatuyi, effectively paralyzing movement in significant parts of the state capital.
Protesters accused the state government of abandoning the dualisation of Ijoka road project, which was inaugurated approximately seven years ago during the administration of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Residents claimed that all work on the road stopped following the governor's passing in December 2023, and the strategic route has deteriorated significantly since then.
Voices from the Protest Ground
Armed with placards bearing messages such as "Fix Ijoka Road, Save Our Lives", "No More Promises, We Need Action", and "We Deserve Good Roads Too", the protesters chanted solidarity songs while demanding immediate government intervention.
Commercial drivers and okada riders joined the demonstration, honking their horns and calling for the immediate mobilization of contractors to the site.
One of the protest leaders, Dele Akinola, explained that the action became necessary after years of neglect and broken promises by successive administrations.
"It's painful; this road was a top priority for the late governor. He came here himself and promised it would be completed. After his passing, it's as if the government forgot we exist," Akinola stated.
He further lamented that "Every rainy season, this road becomes a river. Cars break down daily, tricycles tip over, and people get injured. We have written petitions, made appeals, and even met with government officials, but no tangible action has been taken."
Appeal to Governor Aiyedatiwa
A community leader, Chief Kayode Ogunleye, appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to honor Akeredolu's legacy by completing the abandoned project.
He emphasized that "finishing this road would be the best way to respect the memory of his predecessor and ease the suffering of thousands of Akure residents."
While attempts to speak with the Commissioner for Works, Abiola Olawoye, proved unsuccessful, a senior official in the Ministry who spoke anonymously acknowledged government awareness of the road's poor condition and assured that rehabilitation plans were underway.
The Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, Gbenga Fasua, who visited the protest scene, appealed for calm from residents.
"We understand your frustration, and the government is not turning a blind eye. Work on Ijoka Road will commence shortly. I appeal to all residents to cooperate and be patient while the authorities put measures in place to fix this road once and for all," Fasua stated.
