Motorists and residents in the Olodo community of Egbeda Local Government Area in Ibadan, Oyo State, have issued a plea to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the deteriorating conditions of the road. The Ibadan-Iwo Road, a federal road, is undergoing reconstruction by the state government, with the contractor assuring the completion of the first phase by early this year.
However, the community faced an urgent situation when heavy rainfall on Thursday caused the collapse of the only alternative route, intended to facilitate movement while the main road is under construction. The collapsed bridge served as the sole connection between Ibadan and Iwo in Osun State.
As a consequence, numerous commuters, travelers, and residents relying on the alternative bridge found themselves stranded due to flooding that submerged and destroyed the structure. The resulting traffic congestion led to extended waiting times for road users attempting to access the bridge.
Concerned motorists and residents took the opportunity to appeal to Governor Makinde for assistance. Kazeem Alabi, a student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, shared the challenges he faced, spending nearly an hour waiting to cross the bridge. He urged the governor to intervene with the contractor for the timely completion of the road.
Commercial driver Abasi Olayemi echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution. Another resident, Lekan Anjorin, expressed the impact on his plans, noting the missed business trip due to the impassable bridge. The community collectively called on both the governor and the contractor to expedite the road construction process to alleviate the current difficulties experienced by the residents.