Residents of Elebu community in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State have called on Governor Seyi Makinde to honour his promise to reconstruct the long-neglected Elebu Road, a major artery linking several communities within the Ibadan metropolis.
During a visit to the area on Wednesday, residents expressed frustration over the deplorable state of the road, lamenting that it has remained in disrepair despite repeated appeals and assurances from the state government.
The Elebu Road, which traverses the Circular Road corridor, was first constructed during the administration of the late former governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. However, years of neglect have left the once-busy route riddled with potholes and nearly impassable, particularly during the rainy season.
Mr Dolapo Ajao, a resident of the area, described the road’s condition as a major impediment to socio-economic activities.
“This road has become a nightmare for motorists and residents alike,” he said. “During the rainy season, it becomes almost impossible to drive through. Businesses are suffering, and some families have even relocated because of the poor state of the road.”
Similarly, Mrs Iyabode Aina recounted how local youths had taken it upon themselves to carry out palliative repairs in the absence of government intervention.
“A few years back, some of our youths contributed money to grade parts of the road,” she explained. “Even communities around here joined hands to reduce the suffering, but the effort was temporary. We are appealing to Governor Makinde to come to our aid.”
Another resident, Mr Kolade Adeoye, reminded the governor of his earlier promise to reconstruct the road during the commissioning of a health centre in the community.
“Governor Makinde assured us that this road would be fixed,” he said. “We are only asking him to fulfil that promise. The people of Elebu have been patient, but our patience is wearing thin.”
Residents recalled that the late Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, a former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, had occasionally supported the community by grading the road before his death. Since then, however, no such intervention has been made.
The residents have now renewed their plea, urging the state government to prioritise the reconstruction of Elebu Road as part of its urban renewal and infrastructure agenda.
They stressed that prompt action would not only ease movement and boost local commerce but also demonstrate the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises ahead of the next general elections.
