Hardship, Economic Impact, and Development Stagnation

Residents of Agbado, Idiroko, and Sango in Ogun State are urgently calling on Ogun State government to fulfill the promise of completing the construction of the major road across their communities. They are asking for the rehabilitation of the dilapidated road, a key infrastructure that has long hindered economic activities and connectivity.

The residents believe that fixing this road would not only alleviate their suffering but also boost trade and movement between Ogun and Lagos states, thereby improving their livelihoods.

The road, which stretches from Ojodu Abiodun to Akute, Agbado, Olambe, Idiroko, and up to Sango, is seen as crucial for both intra-state connectivity and cross-border traffic. However, the residents of Akute, Olambe, and Idiroko to Sango, have expressed frustration that despite their votes for the current administration, they have not reaped the expected benefits of democratic governance.

The immediate past governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, started constructing the road, which has a number of flyovers. To pave way for the road construction, some buildings had to make way because of the road expansion. However, the project was left unfinished when his tenure ended, leaving the road in a deplorable state.

Many residents were displaced due to the demolitions, and some have yet to receive compensation for their properties.

Since the exit of Amosun, the situation has worsened, and many residents, unable to bear the hardship, have fled the area. Those who remain face the daily struggle of navigating the deteriorating road, which becomes impassable during rainy season. The few who could afford to move to other areas did so, while others endure a deteriorating living condition in an area once vibrant with commercial and residential activities.

Unmet Expectations under the Current Administration
WHEN Prince Dapo Abiodun assumed office as governor, residents hoped for a resumption of the road project. In fact, it is alleged that when local residents took matters into their own hands and attempted minor repairs, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, intervened, assuring them that the government would take responsibility for the road. Unfortunately, despite years passing since that promise, the residents continue to wait, with no sign of progress.

A community leader and member of the Agbado-Ijoko Road Community Development Association (CDA), Comrade Akorede Idowu, described the situation as both frustrating and inhumane. He lamented that the governor’s continued neglect of the area not only undermines the residents’ right to basic infrastructure but also questions the government’s commitment to those who voted for its leadership.

The road’s poor condition is not only a daily inconvenience but is also having a devastating impact on local businesses. According to residents, many traders have closed their shops, and small businesses have folded due to the lack of access to their premises. “We are in a dead zone,” one resident remarked, highlighting the disconnection between the area and broader economic activities in Ogun and Lagos states.

Some residents, like Iya Aafin Titilayo, a local trader, shared how they have been forced to relocate their businesses to areas like Agege, as the road’s condition has made trade virtually impossible. She added that transportation costs have skyrocketed, with motorcycle riders now charging three times the usual fare due to the poor road conditions.

A section of the road, originally seen as a potential economic corridor stretching from Akute, Olambe, and Idiroko to Sango, is now in disrepair. Residents believe that if properly fixed, the road could serve as a major expressway for travelers from Ibadan and other parts of the southwest, bypassing the congested Lagos route. This could lead to increased commercial activity along the route, potentially transforming the area into an economic hub.

However, according to residents, the road’s abandonment has caused significant economic stagnation. Companies have folded, small businesses are struggling, and the lack of access is exacerbating unemployment and poverty. “The road is so bad that it’s a punishment for residents. We voted for this government, but we feel abandoned. The situation is unbearable, especially for those of us who rely on access to the main road for work,” said Oluwole Babalola, another long-time resident.

Several residents also pointed out that promises made during election campaigns have not been fulfilled. Another resident, Hakeem Sobanjo: “The governor visited us during his campaign and assured us that our road would be fixed, but we’ve seen no action.For the past seven years, this road has been a herculean task to navigate. We are calling on Governor Dapo Abiodun to fulfill his promise.”

Community leaders have expressed deep frustration with the lack of action. “We are not asking for palliative handouts like rice or oil. What we need is a functioning road. If this road is fixed, the tax revenue generated from this area would be significant. The government is losing money by ignoring us,” Idowu emphasised.

Residents are not just asking for a fix to the road but are also calling for compensation for those whose properties were demolished under the previous administration’s road expansion plan. Former CDA Chairman Tajudeen Ayomide highlighted the plight of displaced residents who have still not been compensated for their demolished homes.

The residents of Agbado, Ijoko, Olambe, and Sango are calling on Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Ogun State government to fulfill their promise of road rehabilitation. With an economy that is already struggling due to the road’s condition, the community is pleading for the government to take immediate action to restore access and improve living conditions. They insisted that they deserve the dividends of democracy for which they voted.

Attempts to get the state government to comment on the non-comp letion of the road have not been successful as the Ogun State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, has not responded to calls or messages seeking comment.