By Ejire Folakunmi
Residents of Ratcon Road in the Ife Gbewasokan community, Ibadan, have appealed to the Oyo State Government for urgent intervention over the deplorable condition of their major access road.
In separate interviews on Thursday, residents lamented that the roads in the community have suffered from neglect for years. They noted that the Ife Gbewasokan road in Odo-Ona Kekere, Oluyole Local Government Area, serves as a critical link connecting approximately 57 surrounding communities, including Aba Ọpa, Apadaba, Fawẹ, Aba Oke, Akinosun, and Ori Dagogo, among others.
According to the residents, the route is a key link to the ongoing Ibadancircular Road project, making it a piece of critical infrastructure. They claimed the poor road conditions affect an estimated population of nearly one million people and numerous small businesses that depend on the route for daily operations. The situation worsens during the rainy season when large portions become flooded and nearly impassable, leaving commuters stranded and increasing the risk of accidents.
The Chairman of the community, Mr. Yusuf Olabode, disclosed that residents have made several independent efforts to make the road motorable and have appealed to the Oluyole Local Government with no significant result. He noted that the situation has escalated beyond the capacity of both the community and local authorities, necessitating state-level intervention.
Chief Isiaka Ajibola, the traditional head of Odo-Okun village, explained that while residents have purchased gravel and stones to fill failed portions, these temporary measures are frequently washed away by erosion.
The poor road conditions have also crippled local transport businesses. Mr. Felix Babatunde, Chairman of the tricycle operators (Keke Marwa), and Mr. Hammed Oladokun, Chairman of the Motorcycle Riders Association (Okada), both lamented that their members spend a significant portion of their income on repairs, spare parts, and punctured tires. They added that the road has led to numerous accidents, resulting in serious injuries for both riders and passengers.
Residents urged the relevant authorities to take swift action, warning that continued neglect will further endanger lives and stifle economic activities in the area.
