By Kayode Olabanji,
Okitipupa

Residents and stakeholders of Iju-Oke Odofin in Ikale North Local Government Area of Ondo state have raised concerns over the deplorable state of the Iju-Oke road, lamenting its impact on their daily lives and economic activities.

The community has appealed to Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, representing Ondo South, and Jimi Odimayo, Member of the House of Representatives (Okitipupa and Irele Constituency), to prioritise urgent repairs.

A community leader and former Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ), Rugipo Chapter, Mr Bayo Oladipupo, described the road as nearly unusable due to large potholes and uneven surfaces.

“The road in Iju-Oke community is in a deplorable state, making it nearly impossible to use,” he said.

“During the rainy season, the situation worsens, leaving people stranded and forcing them to seek alternative routes.”

According to Oladipupo, these challenges have disrupted the community’s routine, with parents struggling to transport their children to school on time and traders experiencing setbacks in moving goods.

Mr Joshua Akinmodiro, another resident, highlighted how the road’s neglect has stifled development, stating that the route, less than five kilometres long, has remained in disrepair since the administration of the late Governor Olusegun Kokumo Agagu.

“The current state of the road is almost impassable,” he said. “This has severely hindered movement and disrupted economic activities. As a result, Iju-Oke has been left behind in terms of infrastructural development and opportunities.”

Akinmodiro called on the government and local representatives to address the long-standing issue. “Fixing this road would greatly improve the quality of life in Iju-Oke and ensure we are not excluded from the progress happening in Ondo State,” he said.

Residents underscored the potential benefits of rehabilitating the road, including fostering economic growth and enhancing accessibility to neighbouring communities.

They urged their leaders to act swiftly, stressing that such intervention would alleviate their struggles and pave the way for development.