Residents of Orhuwhorun Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State staged a peaceful protest at the weekend over the deplorable condition of the Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Road and the lack of critical infrastructure in the area, calling on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently intervene.
Women Lead the Protest
The protesters, mostly women, marched through the community carrying placards with inscriptions such as, “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Remember Orhuwhorun-Owhrode,” “Fix the Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Access Road,” “The Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Road is Not Motorable,” and “Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Needs Government Attention.” They lamented that the poor state of the road has subjected residents to severe hardship, increased transportation costs, and hindered economic and social activities within the surrounding communities.
Residents Speak Out
Speaking during the protest, the women leader, Mrs. Victoria Ashakpoke, described the condition of the road as unbearable, noting that residents pay exorbitant transport fares because many commercial drivers avoid the route due to its swampy and dilapidated condition. According to her, the road serves as a critical link between Orhuwhorun, Owhrode and other surrounding communities, but years of neglect have made movement difficult for residents.
“The daily challenges we face accessing neighbouring communities are painful. Due to the poor state of the road, we pay double transportation fares because no commercial transporter is willing to pass through the swampy road. Our economic activities, essential services and the overall well-being of our people are being affected,” she said.
Another resident, Mrs. Yellow Okorume, appealed to the Delta State Government to provide a lasting solution to the problem, stressing that the road has remained in a deplorable state for far too long. She expressed optimism that government intervention would restore confidence among residents and significantly improve living conditions in the affected communities.
Safety Risks and Economic Impact
Also speaking, Mrs. Esther Adama highlighted the safety risks posed by the deteriorating road, particularly during the rainy season when large portions become almost impassable. She noted that good road infrastructure is essential for economic development, security and sustainable community growth, urging authorities to respond promptly to the community’s appeal.
“Good road infrastructure is fundamental to economic growth, security and sustainable community development. Our people deserve better, and we are using this peaceful demonstration to collectively appeal for immediate intervention,” she stated.
A High Chief of the community, Oghale Ighodakpo, emphasized that the protest was peaceful and aimed solely at drawing government attention to the plight of residents. He said the prolonged neglect of the Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Road has continued to inflict economic hardship on residents, traders and businesses operating within the area and neighbouring communities. Ighodakpo urged the state government to prioritize the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road, describing it as critical to the socio-economic development of the area.
The Vice Chairman of Orhuwhorun Community, Chief Cyril Onojeghuo, said the road has become a major obstacle to commerce and daily life, affecting traders, workers, students and motorists who depend on it for transportation.
