Ondo community protests over deplorable road, seeks Aiyedatiwa’s intervention

Residents of Iku Community in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State on Sunday staged a peaceful protest over the deplorable condition of roads in the area.

The protesters called on the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to intervene in the rehabilitation of the roads, saying their poor condition had negatively affected social and economic activities in the community.

Expressing their displeasure, the agrarian residents carried placards with inscriptions such as, “Awara/Ikare-Akoko Stadium Road has become a death trap,” “We need urgent government intervention,” “Mr Governor, we are dying; our people can no longer go to the farm because of the bad road,” and “We say no to bad road network in our community.”

Speaking during the protest, the traditional ruler of the community, High Chief Mukaila Bello, described the demonstration as a “collective cry for help” directed at political leaders and public office holders representing Ondo North Senatorial District and the state.

Bello said the condition of the road had become a nightmare for farmers, motorists and other residents who use it daily.

He said, “For years, our roads have been neglected. Deep potholes and severe erosion have turned what should be accessible roads into death traps. Every rainfall worsens the situation, and access to homes and businesses has become a daily struggle for residents of the community.

“Businesses are suffering, transportation costs have increased, emergency vehicles find it difficult to reach residents, and the fear of accidents grows every day. We passionately appeal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Chairman of Akoko North-East Local Government Area, our ministers, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, Ife Ehindero, our traditional rulers, political leaders and all stakeholders to urgently come to the aid of Iku Community.”

Another resident, Mr Adiamo Usman, said government intervention had become necessary for the safety, economic survival and well-being of the community and neighbouring areas.

Usman urged the state government to act immediately before lives were lost and property destroyed because of the condition of the road, stressing that good roads were a basic necessity, not a privilege.

“The residents of Iku Community are not asking for luxury; we are asking for safe and motorable roads that will allow us to live, work and raise our families with dignity. We believe that responsive leadership is measured by its willingness to listen to the cries of the people.

“We remain hopeful that our leaders will hear our cry and act without delay. Let this appeal not be ignored. The time to act is now, and our people deserve better,” Usman said.