The Odogunyan-Odonla Road in the Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ikorodu, Lagos State is begging for urgent repairs.

The road has been in a deplorable condition for many years, with residents and motorists plying it calling on the relevant authorities to urgently rehabilitate it, so as to end the hardship it has been causing commuters.

The road, which serves as an important link for residents, businesses and motorists within the community, has reportedly become increasingly difficult to navigate, particularly at sections where potholes, failed portions and poor drainage have taken their toll.

For motorists, navigating the affected sections has become a daily challenge, with drivers forced to slow down considerably or manoeuvre around damaged portions of the road to avoid vehicle breakdowns and accidents.

Residents say the situation is even more difficult during the rainy season, when water often gathers around damaged sections, making it difficult for motorists and pedestrians to identify the depth of potholes and other dangerous spots.

A resident, Bukola Oladokun, who spoke to the Guardian, said: “Apart from increasing travel time, the poor condition of the road is also having an impact on commercial activities in the area. Transport operators and motorists are faced with higher vehicle maintenance costs, while commuters are forced to endure longer journeys.”

Some other residents such as Ayosola Oguntimehin expressed concern that continued neglect of the road could worsen the situation and eventually make some portions almost impassable.

“I cannot believe that this road will remain like this for so many years. If I were correct, the last time the road was fixed should have been about ten years ago. Ever since then, the government has neglected the Odogunyan-Odonla Road and this is at the detriment of the residents.”

Another resident, Demola Lawal, appealed to the Lagos State Government, the Ikorodu North LCDA Executive Chairman, Mayor Ameen Olawale Ibrahim Apanisile, and other relevant authorities to inspect the road and commence comprehensive rehabilitation before the situation deteriorates further.

According to Lawal, “fixing the road would not only ease transportation but also improve economic activities and enhance the quality of life of residents in Odogunyan, Odonla and surrounding communities.”

He also appealed to the authorities to pay attention to drainage infrastructure alongside road repairs, noting that proper drainage would help prevent the recurrence of road failures caused by flooding and erosion.

Another resident, Emmanuel Bankole, stressed that road infrastructure remains critical to the development of any community. As such, Bankole is calling on the government to treat the rehabilitation of the Odogunyan-Odonla Road as a matter of priority.

“For motorists and residents who depend on the road daily, the message is simple: the Odogunyan-Odonla Road can no longer wait. It begs for urgent repairs. We cannot continue to suffer like this because a journey of ten minutes now lasts as much as 30 minutes due to the terrible condition of the road,” Bankole lamented.