Rainstorm ravages Igboho community as monarch, lawmaker seek urgent government intervention

By Adejayan Gbenga –

A severe rainstorm has struck the town of Igboho in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, causing extensive damage and prompting urgent calls for government intervention.

The storm, which occurred on Tuesday evening and lasted slightly over 30 minutes, left a trail of destruction in its wake. Nearly 500 houses were affected, alongside dozens of shops, rooftops, fences, and critical electricity infrastructure, including transformers and major power installations, resulting in widespread blackout across the town.

The Alepata of Igboho and paramount ruler of Igboholand, Oba Dr. Joel Olalere Olawuwo, described the incident as unprecedented in the history of the town. In a statement issued on Thursday, the monarch appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently assist in providing relief to the affected residents and restoring damaged infrastructure.

Oba Olawuwo, who also serves as the permanent chairman of the Oorelope Local Government Traditional Council, emphasized the urgent need for the reconstruction of public facilities and the delivery of humanitarian support to victims of the disaster.

Similarly, the Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Buhari AbdulFatai, expressed deep concern over the situation. In a statement, he described the level of destruction as heartbreaking and commiserated with those who lost property to the storm.

“The news of the rainstorm that struck my people in Igboho has left me deeply saddened. More than 100 homes, over 100 shops, and critical infrastructure were destroyed in minutes. I can only imagine the hardship now faced by the affected families,” he said.

The senator pledged to seek urgent intervention from relevant federal agencies and appealed to Governor Makinde to expedite recovery efforts, including restoration of power, rebuilding of structures, and provision of relief materials.

As residents begin efforts to recover from the destruction, expectations remain high that both state and federal authorities will respond promptly to restore normalcy and provide much-needed support to the Igboho community.