Motorists lament state of Ibadan-Ijebu Ode road

MOTORISTS have lamented the deplorable state of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road, as well as the Ibadan-Dagbolu-Ijebu-Igbo road, just as they called on the Federal Government to immediately embark on their rehabilitation.

The motorists, including commercial drivers, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune, said the state of the roads is bringing untold hardship on frequent travelers on the road.

A bus driver who plies the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road from Challenge motor park, Mr David Owoade, said he now visits mechanic workshops almost on a weekly basis because of alignment problem.

“This is what bad condition of road does to vehicle; it means we spend more on maintaining our vehicles, and as a result, we pass that to the customer.

“Once the road is fixed, definitely, it will help in bringing down the transport fare on the road,” he said.

Another driver on the road, but whose base is in Ijebu-Ode, Mr Temitope Ali, also lamented the toll the bad road has on drivers’ health.

“After the day’s job travelling to and fro Ibadan from Ijebu-Ode, I must take pain relievers; while our vehicles suffer, our body also bears the brunt of the state of the road.

“We hope the Federal Government can quickly move in and rehabilitate the road fast,” Ali said.

A frequent traveller on the Ibadan-Dagbolu-Ijebu Igbo road, Mr Adesola Ajibade, however, called on the Oyo and Ogun state governments to also see what could be done to partner with the Federal Government in rehabilitating the road.

Apart from the loss of precious time, Ajibade said such terrible condition of the roads also aid crime.

“It is a known fact that criminals hibernate at terrible spots where vehicles would slow down in order to strike; therefore, if the road is in good condition, it will be difficult for criminals to attack vehicles that are on top speed,” Ajibade said.

Another motorist, Mr Femi Sehinde, said Ijebu-Igbo, which is the headquarters of Ijebu-North Local Government, is almost completely cut off from Ogun and Oyo states due to pathetic condition of the road leading to the town.

He said the situation is causing untold hardship on travellers and even vehicles, which require visits to mechanic workshops on a frequent basis.

He then called on the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his Oyo State counterpart, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, under the leadership of Dr David Umahi, to work on the rehabilitation of these two affected roads in the best interest of the people.

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