Residents of the Ijoka neighborhood, within the Akure South Native Council Space of Ondo State, shut down socio-economic actions on Monday whereas protesting in opposition to the deserted and deplorable state of the foremost street linking the neighborhood to different elements of the Akure metropolis.
With the infuriated residents mounting barricades on the street with logs of wooden and piles of stones as early as 7:00 am, the protesters compelled a whole bunch of commuters to desert their autos and trek lengthy distances to their locations.
With the gridlock stretching into adjoining main routes comparable to Oda Street and Oluwatuyi, the offended residents accused the state authorities of abandoning the dualisation of the Ijoka street challenge, which was inaugurated about seven years in the past throughout the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The residents claimed that every one work on the street ceased following the governor’s passing in December 2023, and the street, which they described as one of many state capital’s busiest and most strategic routes, has since deteriorated additional.
Armed with placards bearing inscriptions comparable to “Repair Ijoka Street, Save Our Lives”, “No Extra Guarantees, We Want Motion”, and “We Deserve Good Roads Too”, they accomplished Akeredolu’s initiatives, saying, “We’ve Been Forgotten Since Akeredolu Died”, because the residents chanted solidarity songs and demanded instant authorities intervention.
Industrial drivers and motorcyclist riders, popularly often known as Okada riders, additionally joined the protest, honking their horns and calling for the mobilisation of contractors to the positioning.
Lamenting over the state of affairs, one of many protest leaders, Dele Akinola, disclosed that the motion grew to become inevitable after years of neglect and damaged guarantees by successive administrations.
He stated, “It’s painful; this street was a prime precedence for the late governor. He got here right here himself and promised it might be accomplished. After his passing, it’s as if the federal government forgot we exist. The partial work that has already begun to deteriorate is because of erosion and a scarcity of upkeep.
“Each wet season, this street turns into a river. Automobiles break down every day, tricycles tip over, and folks get injured. Now we have written petitions, made appeals, and even met with authorities officers, however no tangible motion has been taken. This protest just isn’t political; we solely desire a motorable street. That’s all we’re asking for.”
A neighborhood chief, Chief Kayode Ogunleye, appealed to Governor Fortunate Aiyedatiwa to honour Akeredolu’s legacy by finishing the deserted challenge, stressing that “ending this street could be one of the simplest ways to respect the reminiscence of his predecessor and ease the struggling of hundreds of Akure residents.”
Makes an attempt to talk with the Commissioner for Works within the state, Abiola Olawoye, have been unsuccessful, however a senior official within the Ministry, who spoke on situation of anonymity, acknowledged that the federal government was conscious of the poor situation of the street and warranted that plans have been underway for its rehabilitation.
The Chairman of Akure South Native Authorities Space, Gbenga Fasua, who visited the scene of the protest, appealed to the residents to stay calm.
“We perceive your frustration, and the federal government just isn’t turning a blind eye. Work on Ijoka Street will begin shortly. I attraction to all residents to cooperate and be affected person whereas the authorities put measures in place to repair this street as soon as and for all,” he acknowledged.
