Ondo residents protest bad roads, demand government’s intervention
Residents of Ogbagi Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State staged a peaceful protest on Monday to highlight the worsening condition of federal roads leading to their community.
The protest, held despite heavy rainfall, was led by farmers, artisans, commercial drivers, and traders. Demonstrators marched through major routes in the agrarian community, carrying placards demanding immediate government intervention on the Ikare-Ogbagi-Irun Akoko road, a key link to Ado-Ekiti.
Many described the road as a death trap, citing frequent accidents, economic hardship, and the loss of lives caused by its deplorable state.
Addressing journalists, the spokesperson for the protesters, Oluwatuyi Aderemi, said the demonstration was a unified plea for survival.
“This road is no longer just bad, it’s a serious danger to everyone who uses it. Farmers can’t move their goods, commuters are constantly at risk, and we’ve lost too many lives already. It’s a crisis,” he said.
Aderemi also warned about the growing threat of erosion, which, if ignored, could completely cut off access to the community. He urged both federal and state governments to prioritise rehabilitating the road, emphasising its importance for economic development, safety, and daily transportation.
“Our roads are the arteries of our community. When they collapse, everything else suffers, trade, healthcare, security. We’re appealing for urgent and meaningful action, not promises,” he added.
Responding, the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Wasiu Owolabi, acknowledged the community’s frustration and assured residents that reconstruction efforts were ongoing.
He revealed that eight out of the 40 kilometres had been completed, stressing that the project would enhance connectivity and support local economic activities.
“We understand the concerns raised, and we ask the residents to exercise patience. The government is committed to finishing this project in good time,” Owolabi said.
Ondo residents protest bad roads, demand government’s intervention
