**As students disagree with Akungba palace
By Adeboye Ado
Political leaders in Ondo State have expressed grief over the truck accident that claimed eight lives in Akungba Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Those who commiserated with the victims’ families and the Akungba community include the Executive Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government Area, Mr Ayo Ajana; the lawmaker representing Akoko South West/South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Adegboyega Adefarati; and two All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains, Afolabi Momoh Mogaji and Prince Azeez Momoh Ricardo.
In a statement on Friday, Ajana described the incident, which involved a truck conveying limestone, as “devastating and heartbreaking.”
He said the tragedy had once again exposed the recurring dangers associated with heavy-duty vehicles on the Akungba–Ikare road.
“As the Executive Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government, and as a father, a community leader and a citizen, I am profoundly saddened by this loss,” Ajana said.
“Every life lost is a deep wound to our community, especially when it involves our promising youth and hardworking citizens.”
The council boss, who visited the scene of the incident, said he would engage relevant stakeholders at both state and local government levels to find a lasting solution to the recurring road mishaps in the area.
In his condolence message, Adefarati also sympathised with Akungba and AAUA communities, describing the tragedy as “a sad reminder of the dangers posed by articulated vehicles on the road.”
He commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his quick intervention through the dualisation of the Akungba–Ikare road and the ongoing degradation of Okerigbo Hill, a major cause of repeated brake failures along the route.
While calling for stricter enforcement of government directives during the reconstruction, Adefarati said only trucks belonging to the construction company should be allowed passage.
He also urged security agencies to ensure that no heavy-duty truck, day or night, plies the route until the project is completed.
On his part, APC chieftain Afolabi Momoh Mogaji described the incident as “deeply saddening and heartbreaking.”
He appealed to authorities to take urgent steps to prevent a recurrence and called on government agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to support the affected families.
“Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones in this unfortunate incident. May the souls of the departed rest in peace and may those left behind find strength and courage to endure this difficult period,” he said.
Similarly, another APC chieftain, Prince Azeez Momoh Ricardo, lamented the loss of lives, describing the tragedy as “heartbreaking and devastating.”
He urged the contractor handling the road dualisation project to expedite work and ensure that road users are protected throughout the construction period.
Ricardo also commended emergency responders for their prompt action and expressed confidence that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would provide assistance to the affected families. “We know that our caring Governor will respond with assistance to the affected families by supporting them,” he added.
The leaders collectively prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and urged the state government to strengthen road safety measures to prevent further loss of lives in Akungba and other parts of the state.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union has disagreed with the statement issued by the Alale of Akungba’s Palace on the cause of the accident.
In a clarification issued on Friday, the Student Union President, Comrade Salami Akeem (Ologbon), described the Palace’s release as misleading and an attempt to deflect blame.
He alleged that corruption among some individuals affiliated with the Palace contributed to the compromise of the barricade earlier mounted to restrict the movement of heavy-duty vehicles.
According to him, “The Palace’s attempt to politicise this tragedy and discredit the students’ union is a desperate move to obscure their own failures.”
The student leader explained that the union, in collaboration with the police and community representatives, had been monitoring the barricade since October 18 to ensure no trucks gained passage through the restricted route.
He alleged that some “palace boys” had been collecting bribes from truck drivers to allow access, turning the barricade into an illegal toll gate, a practice he said endangered the lives of students and residents.
Akeem said the union had gathered voice and visual evidence of the alleged extortion, which would be submitted to the police and anti-corruption agencies for investigation.
He urged the Alale of Akungba, Oba Oseni Isiaka Adu, to investigate the allegations and ensure accountability within his domain rather than blaming the students.
“The Palace must prioritise transparency, accountability, and the safety of Akungba-Akoko residents and students,” Akeem said.
He reiterated the union’s commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring safer roads for the community