Community Protests Ijoka Road’s Neglect in Akure
Residents of the Ijoka community in Akure metropolis took to the streets on Monday morning to protest the deteriorating condition of Ijoka Road, a vital artery connecting several high-density communities to the city center. The road, described as one of the busiest and most strategic routes in Akure, has become a source of frustration for commuters, traders, and commercial drivers alike.
The protest began around 7 a.m. and quickly escalated into a full-blown blockade. Protesters used logs of wood, tires, and stones to obstruct movement, forcing hundreds of commuters to abandon their vehicles. The resulting gridlock stretched from Ijoka to other parts of the city, causing ripple effects across adjoining areas such as Oda Road, Ilesa Garage, and Oluwatuyi. Vehicular movement was disrupted for several hours, leaving many stranded and frustrated.
Armed with placards bearing messages like “Fix Ijoka Road, Save Our Lives,” “No More Promises, We Need Action,” and “We’ve Been Forgotten Since Akeredolu Died,” the protesters chanted solidarity songs and demanded immediate government intervention. The demonstration included residents, commercial drivers, and traders who expressed their anger at years of neglect and broken promises by successive administrations.
A Legacy of Unfulfilled Promises
The Ijoka Road project, which was partially flagged off during the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s administration, has been left unattended since his death in December 2023. According to protest leader Mr. Dele Akinola, the road was among the strategic roads earmarked for rehabilitation under the Urban Renewal Initiative. Contractors began work on some sections between 2022 and early 2023 but abandoned the site after the governor’s passing.
Akinola explained that the road has since deteriorated to an unbearable state, with erosion and lack of maintenance contributing to its current condition. He highlighted that every rainy season turns the road into a river, leading to frequent vehicle breakdowns, tricycle accidents, and injuries.
“We have written petitions, made appeals, and even met with government officials, but nothing tangible has been done. This protest is not political; we only want a motorable road. That’s all we’re asking for,” he said.
Economic Impact and Community Frustration
Community leaders, including Chief Kayode Ogunleye, emphasized the economic toll of the poor road condition. They noted that transport fares have skyrocketed, goods are delayed in transit, and road accidents have become frequent. Schools in the area have also recorded declining attendance as parents find it increasingly difficult to transport their children through the damaged route.
Ogunleye called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to honor Akeredolu’s legacy by completing the abandoned project, stating that finishing the road would be the best way to respect the memory of the late governor and ease the suffering of thousands of Akure residents.
Commercial drivers and motorcycle riders also joined the protest, expressing frustration over the costs associated with repairing vehicle parts damaged by the road. One driver, Sunday Agboola, said he spends nearly half of his daily earnings on repairs, adding that shock absorbers, tyres, and ball joints don’t last anymore.
Traders and small business owners in the area also voiced their concerns. Mrs. Bola Alade, a food stall owner at Oke-Aro, said the poor condition of the road has driven away customers, making it difficult to make sales. She urged the governor to complete the project started by his predecessor.
Government Response and Community Skepticism
Attempts to reach the State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Olawoye, were unsuccessful. However, a senior official in the ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the government’s awareness of the road’s poor condition and assured that plans were underway for rehabilitation. The official confirmed that the Ijoka Road was part of the late governor’s urban infrastructure plan and that the current administration intends to review all ongoing projects.
Akure South Local Government Area Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Fasua, visited the protest site and appealed to residents to remain calm. He assured them that remedial action would soon be taken to address the community’s plight. However, many residents expressed skepticism, citing past assurances without visible results.
Community leaders called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to personally visit the area to witness the extent of the road’s decay and take decisive action, warning that more protests could follow if work does not begin soon.
As of press time, traffic along the Ijoka axis remained heavy, with frustrated commuters lamenting hours spent in gridlock. Many urged the government to treat the rehabilitation as an emergency to restore normalcy to the city’s transportation network.
Security personnel have been deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent the protest from turning violent, while some officers were seen persuading protesters to open one lane of the road to allow limited movement of vehicles.