Residents of Anjorin Community Development Association (CDA) in Surulere have petitioned their representative at the House of Representatives, Lanre Okunola, over the poor state of roads and alleged shoddy construction work by contractors. The petition highlights the parlous condition of roads in the area and the frustration of community members.
Background of the Issue
According to the residents, drainage clearing began in August 2024 as preparation for road construction. However, the street, a major artery in the community, was left unattended, with weeds growing along the roadside. Construction of drainages only commenced after what residents described as about two years of untold hardship, with broken culverts and entrance slabs.
The residents alleged that the contractors engaged artisans without adequate experience and supervision. In the petition signed by CDA Chairman Mr. Kehinde Okelade, the association compared the situation to adjoining roads like Onadeko Street, which was constructed in 2025 by Itire/Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and completed within seven months. In contrast, the Anjorin road project, which started in 2024, has been stalled and poorly executed.
Specific Complaints
Okelade stated that in August 2024, clearing of drainage commenced, but it was not until June 2025 that breaking of culverts in front of buildings was noticed. When drainage construction finally began, residents observed that the iron rods used were tiny and below required specifications, and no supervising engineer was on site. Notably, a CDA member named Ayo from Ramoni Ward was supervising the construction, despite lacking engineering qualifications.
Furthermore, Ayo instructed workers to dig up the Akanji road junction by Anjorin, preventing residents of Akanji from accessing their street. This action was taken without formally informing the CDA or Akanji residents.
Residents praised the construction of Onadeko Street as the best in Surulere but lamented that Anjorin Street, which handles more traffic, is being poorly constructed and may fail, similar to Cole Street constructed in 2024.
Appeal to the Legislator
Okelade urged the legislator to salvage the situation by paying an unscheduled visit to the area and ensuring proper utilization of taxpayers' funds. He noted that the CDA has received many complaints about the poor construction and slow pace of work on both Cole and Anjorin streets.
