Ondo residents decry dilapidated road, seek Aiyedatiwa’s intervention

By Boye Oyeyemi

Residents of Iku Quarters in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State on Sunday staged a peaceful protest, urging Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently rehabilitate the Awara Water Works/Ikare-Akoko Stadium Road.

The protesters on Sundays, described the road as being in a deplorable condition, saying it had become a major threat to the lives and livelihoods of residents, particularly farmers, motorists and business owners. They displayed placards calling for immediate government intervention.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Oniku of Iku, Chief Mukaila Bello, said the protest was a collective appeal to the state government and other political leaders to rescue the community from years of neglect.

“Our road has been abandoned for years. Deep potholes, severe erosion and impassable sections have turned it into a death trap. Each rainfall worsens the situation, making it difficult for residents to access their homes, farms and businesses,” Bello said.

He lamented that the poor condition of the road had disrupted economic activities, increased transportation costs and hindered emergency services from reaching the community when needed.

“We appeal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Akoko North-East Local Government Chairman, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, Hon. Ife Ehindero and other stakeholders to urgently come to our aid. Our people have suffered for too long,” he added.

The President of Iku Elite, Mr Adiamo Usman, also appealed for urgent intervention, describing the road project as critical to the safety and economic survival of residents.

“We are not asking for luxury. We only want safe and motorable roads that will allow our people to live, work and raise their families with dignity. We believe our leaders will listen to our cries and act without further delay,” Usman said.