You will recall that towards the built-up to the 2019 elections, i made a post on the deplorable condition of this road when it became impassable and commuters to and fro had to turn back to take alternative route to their respective destinations.
The then administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi sluggishly and unwillingly made efforts to fix the affected portion and a one-sided culvert was hurriedly put into place. Thereafter, the rehabilitation contract was awarded and we are all witness to what happened to the project.
At the assumption of power by the PDP led administration of Governor Seyi Makinde and his subsequent announcement of revocation and re-award of the road contract to a more capable contractor, we all sigh a sign of relieve. This singular action of the governor won the hearts of many of us in Okeogun area of the state. Since the new contractor moved to the site, it’s been a progress working to the delight of all.
However, my last week journey to and fro Iseyin from Ibadan was a joyous trip save, when we reached the portion with that sharp angle 90′ bend. I have opined that any contractor saddled with the road work will make a correction and straighten that portion but to my amazement, the sharp dangerous bend was still being maintained though a bit widened.
This should not be as in the first instance, there’s no natural barrier in both sides of the road to warrant that “too sharp and dangerous bend” talkless of maintaining it. On both sides, there are no rivers, deep gully or rocks or boulders that can force the contractor to maintain the bend. Even there’s no human barriers like built developments or serious economic trees that can bring about huge compensation by the government.
I hereby implored the Oyo State government through our amiable Governor Oluseyi Makinde to direct the contractor on site to condemn the sharp and dangerous bend and straighten the road to safe lives. The road is a bit around 30years old! Many of us old enough and that have plied the road when new will agree with me that that portion has claimed a lot of innocent lives through accidents. We don’t want a repeat of loss of lives and properties on that road, our governor should do the needful and direct the contractor to straighten that portion.
Esv Ismail Adewoyin is an indegene of Oke Ogun, he’s the Convener of Okeogun Project Forum
