Concerned residents of Ratcon Road in Ife Gbewasokan Community, Odo-Ona Kekere, Ibadan, have called on the Oyo State Government for urgent intervention over the deplorable condition of their major access road, which has remained in a state of neglect for years.The Ife Gbewasokan road serves as a critical link connecting about 57 surrounding villages, including Aba Ọpa, Apadaba, Fawẹ, Aba oke, Akinosun, Ori Dagogo, Lannisa, Alawọ, Ojo Ẹkun, Oluwo, and Alọbẹ, among others. The poor condition of the road is said to be affecting an estimated population of nearly one million residents, as well as numerous small and medium-scale businesses that depend on the route for daily operations.
Residents stated that the situation worsens during the rainy season, when large portions of the road become flooded and nearly impassable, leaving commuters stranded and increasing the risk of accidents.
Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the community, Olabode Yusuf and a leader in the community, Pastor Oladosu Ọ̀ṣẹwà, disclosed that residents have made several efforts to make the road motorable. They added that appeals have also been made to the Oluyole Local Government, but the situation has gone beyond what both the community and the local authority can handle.
Also speaking, the traditional head of Odo-Okun village and its environment under Ife Gbewasokan community, Baálẹ̀ Isiaka Raimi Ajibola, and a resident of the community, and Abimbola Olatunji, outlined efforts made by the people, including the purchase of gravel and stones to fill failed portions of the road. However, he noted that these temporary measures are often washed away by erosion, making their efforts unsustainable.
Other residents and executive members expressed deep concern over the worsening condition of the road, noting that it has led to loss of lives, severe injuries, and significant economic setbacks for many families and business owners.
They added that emergency situations have become more difficult to manage, as ambulances and other essential services often struggle to access the community.
Commercial transport operators, including motorists, tricycle (Maruwa) riders, and motorcycle (Okada) riders, also lamented the negative impact of the road on their daily operations, citing frequent vehicle breakdowns, increased maintenance costs, and reduced income.
They appealed to the state government for urgent rehabilitation to improve safety and ease transportation.
Residents are therefore calling on the Oyo State Government and other relevant authorities to take swift action to rehabilitate the road, warning that continued neglect could further endanger lives and cripple economic activities in the area.
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