Follow Us on Google
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Lukman Adesola Ojo-Fadipe, alongside local motorists and transport operators, has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene urgently and prevent the total collapse of the Otan-Ayegbaju–Ila-Orangun road.
During a recent site visit, our correspondent observed that critical sections of the highway have eroded completely, leaving several other stretches severely degraded.
The road connects Otan-Ayegbaju to Ila-Orangun, the hometown of Senator Olubiyi Fabiyi (Osun Central) and Hon. Clement Akanni, member representing the Boluwaduro/Ila/Ifedayo Federal Constituency.
Speaking on the situation, Oba Ojo-Fadipe highlighted three critical locations where heavy flooding has undermined the road, creating severe dangers for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
“Vehicle movement is becoming increasingly difficult. I am pleading on behalf of the people of Otan-Ayegbaju and the motorists using this road that Governor Ademola Adeleke rescue it before it collapses entirely. We need the government to act now to prevent preventable loss of lives,” the monarch said.
Detailing the affected areas, the monarch noted: “One critical spot is at Oke-Ola, where the bridge structure is caving in from beneath. Another is at Akerekete, which has turned into a death trap for commuters traveling between Ila-Orangun and Otan-Ayegbaju, Ikirun, or Osogbo. The third affected point is at Popogbooro. I urge the Osun State Government to immediately dispatch the relevant ministry to site.”
The Chairman of the Commercial Motorcycle Riders Union in Boluwaduro LGA, Azeez Fabunmi, attributed the severe damage to recent prolonged torrential rains.
He emphasized the road’s economic importance, noting that it serves not only Osun State but also functions as a vital transit corridor connecting to Kogi, Benue, and Abuja.
“We plead with the government to fix this road to protect the lives of road users from across the country,” Fabunmi said.
Also, a community leader, Amos Sasona, noted that the damage at the Akerekete bridge has reduced the road to a single lane, making it impossible for two vehicles to pass simultaneously.
“If this section gives way completely, transit between Ila-Orangun and Osogbo will come to a total halt. Our main fear is for drivers who are unfamiliar with the terrain, especially at night, as they could easily plunge into the ditch,” Sasona warned.
Further appeals were made by transport union representative Dauda Oyeniyi and the President of the Otan-Ayegbaju Progressive Union (OAPU), Aare Adetunji Mosebolatan.
Mosebolatan explained that while the community union has previously funded repairs on internal township roads through self-help initiatives, the scale of the destruction on this interstate route requires immediate state intervention before a major disaster occurs.
