Hon. Nelson Aremo as concerned citizens demand urgent intervention on Ikare-Ogbagi-Irun and Ogbagi-Ese-Afin roads
Hon. Nelson Aremo as concerned citizens demand urgent intervention on Ikare-Ogbagi-Irun and Ogbagi-Ese-Afin roads
……Call Governor Aiyedatiwa to Save Lives Through Infrastructure Renewal….
Residents and stakeholders from Ogbagi Akoko, Irun Akoko, Ese Akoko, Afin Akoko, and neighbouring communities in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to urgently rehabilitate the Ikare–Ogbagi–Irun Road and the Ogbagi–Ese–Afin Road.
In an open letter signed by Hon. Nelson Aremo released to Our Heritage Reporter online on behalf of concerned citizens, the communities commended the governor’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives across the state but expressed disappointment that the two critical roads were omitted from recently approved road projects. The residents described the roads as death traps that have caused numerous accidents, disrupted economic activities, endangered commuters, and hindered development in the area.
The appeal calls for an immediate technical assessment of the affected roads and their inclusion in the state’s current and future road rehabilitation programmes, stressing that access to safe and motorable roads is essential for economic growth, security, and the well-being of residents.
Full statement reads:
AN OPEN LETTER OF APPEAL TO HIS EXCELLENCY, HON. LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA
Executive Governor, Ondo State
ON THE URGENT NEED TO REHABILITATE THE IKARE–OGBAGI–IRUN AND OGBAGI–ESE–AFIN ROADS
Your Excellency,
I write on behalf of the concerned sons and daughters of Ogbagi Akoko, Irun Akoko, Ese Akoko, Afin Akoko and adjoining communities in Akoko North West Local Government Area. We respectfully appeal to Your Excellency for urgent intervention in the rehabilitation of the Ikare–Ogbagi–Irun Road and the Ogbagi–Ese–Afin Road.
Commendation
First, we commend your administration for its commitment to infrastructure development across Ondo State, as evident in the recent approvals by the State Executive Council. We particularly acknowledge the approval of strategic road projects such as the Oba–Ikun–Afo–Idoani Road, Imo Arigidi–Agbaluku Road, and the rehabilitation of the Arigidi–Oke Agbe Road, among other laudable projects. These interventions give us confidence in your vision for a connected and prosperous Ondo State.
Our Concern
However, we are deeply concerned that the Ikare–Ogbagi–Irun Road and the Ogbagi–Ese–Afin Road were omitted from the recent list of approved projects. This omission has heightened anxiety among residents and road users who have endured years of neglect, hardship, and loss due to the deplorable condition of these critical roads.
The Human Cost
Your Excellency, the absence of significant political representation at state or federal level should not translate to neglect of our communities. Every part of Ondo State deserves equitable access to basic infrastructure that guarantees safety, economic growth, and social development.
The Ikare–Ogbagi–Irun Road has become a corridor of grief. Over the years it has claimed numerous lives through avoidable accidents, destroyed vehicles, disrupted businesses, discouraged investment, and undermined the livelihoods of farmers, traders, students, civil servants, and families who depend on it daily.
We are compelled to ask: How much longer must our people die on these roads? What level of destruction and suffering must occur before decisive action is taken? These questions weigh heavily on our people as they navigate these dangerous routes every day.
Security and Development
The deteriorating security situation nationwide makes this appeal more urgent. Poor roads delay emergency response, expose commuters to risk, and create vulnerabilities for criminal activity. Good roads are not just development projects; they are investments in public safety.
Your Excellency, during your recent visit to Oke Oro for the presentation of the Staff of Office to the new Kabiyesi, you would have observed firsthand the state of roads in this axis. While we appreciate temporary maintenance efforts made ahead of your visit, subsequent rains have worsened the condition and erased that relief.
History of Appeals
This is not our first appeal. Community leaders, stakeholders, and citizens have repeatedly written to state and federal authorities seeking intervention. Despite these efforts, the roads remain hazardous and continue to isolate our communities and endanger lives.
Our Humble Requests
We therefore respectfully urge Your Excellency to:
1. Direct the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing to conduct an immediate technical assessment of the Ikare–Ogbagi–Irun Road and the Ogbagi–Ese–Afin Road.
2. Include both roads in the state’s ongoing and future road rehabilitation programmes without further delay.
We also appeal to the Honourable Commissioner representing Akoko North West to champion this cause within government. As a son of the soil, we trust he will ensure this axis receives fair consideration in the distribution of developmental projects.
Conclusion
Your Excellency, our request is simple and sincere. We are not asking for special treatment, only fairness, safety, and inclusion. The people of this axis deserve motorable, safe roads that support economic activity and social progress.
History remembers leaders not only for the projects they execute, but for the communities they rescue from neglect. We are confident that under your leadership, our plea will receive the urgent attention it deserves. Please intervene to save lives, restore hope, and reconnect our communities to the broader opportunities in Ondo State.
Thank you for your attention and anticipated action.
Yours faithfully,
Hon. Nelson Aremo
On behalf of the Concerned Citizens of Akoko North West
