Residents of Ratcon Road in the Ife Gbewasokan community in Ibadan have called on the Oyo State Government for urgent intervention over the deplorable condition of their major access road.
The residents in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday said that the roads in the community have remained in a state of neglect for years.
They noted that the roads in Ife Gbewasokan road in Odo-Ona Kekere in Oluyole Local Government of the state serves as a critical link, connecting about 57 surrounding communities.
Roads such as Aba Ọpa, Apadaba, Fawẹ, Aba oke, Akinosun, Ori Dagogo, Lannisa, Alawọ, Ojo Ẹkun, Oluwo, and Alọbẹ, among others.
According to the residents, the road is a key link to the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project by the current state administration, making it critical infrastructure that should not be neglected.
They claimed that the poor condition of the road is affecting an estimated population of nearly one million residents, as well as numerous small and medium-scale businesses that depend on the route for daily operations.
They noted that the condition of the road worsens during the rainy season, when large portions become flooded and nearly impassable, leaving commuters stranded and increasing the risk of accidents.
Speaking with NAN, the Chairman of the community, Mr Yusuf Olabode, disclosed that residents have made several efforts to make the road motorable.
He added that appeals have also been made to the Oluyole LG with no significant result.
Olabode noted that the situation of the road has gone beyond what both the community and the local authority can handle, necessitating the need for state government’s intervention.
Chief Isiaka Ajibola, the traditional head of Odo-Okun village and its environment, under Ife Gbewasokan community, outlined efforts made by the residents, including the purchase of gravel and stones to fill failed portions of the road.
He, however noted that these temporary measures are often washed away by erosion, making their efforts unsustainable.
Other residents and executive members expressed deep concern over the worsening condition of the road, noting that it has led to loss of lives, severe injuries, and significant economic setbacks for many families and business owners.
They added that emergency situations have become more difficult to manage, as ambulances and other essential services often struggle to access the community.
Mr. Felix Babatunde, Chairman of tricycle operators in the community, popularly known as ‘Keke Marwa’, said the road’s poor condition has made their business unprofitable due to frequent damage to their tricycle
He lamented that tricycle operators in the area have been spending lots of their incomes on spare parts replacement, punctured tyres and repairs.
Similarly, Mr. Hammed Oladokun, Chairman of the Motorcycle Riders Association in the community, popularly known as ‘Okada’, said the poor condition of the road has led to numerous accidents, leaving some riders and passengers with serious injuries.
He also lamented the negative impact of the road on their daily operations, citing frequent vehicle breakdown, increased maintenance costs, and reduced income.
They appealed to the state government for urgent rehabilitation to improve safety and ease transportation.
Residents therefore urged relevant authorities to take swift action to rehabilitate the road, warning that continued neglect could further endanger lives and cripple economic activities in the area.
