On Monday, residents of Araromi-Ilugun-Itoko and six other communities in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State took to the streets in protest State Of Roads In Ogun, in particular, against the deplorable condition of the road connecting their areas and the substantial gully erosion. This erosion has not only damaged the road but also poses a threat of displacement to the communities whenever there’s rainfall.
During the protest, residents brandished placards with messages such as “Gov Dapo Abiodun come to our aid at Araromi-Ilugun-Itoko,” “We can’t access our houses again due to gully erosion,” and “We can’t afford another rainfall under this condition,” among others.
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The residents raised an alarm about an imminent flooding disaster and landslides that could impact at least 50 houses if the gully erosion issue isn’t addressed before the next rainy season.
The affected communities include Araromi Ilugun-Itoko, Victory Estate, Surulere, Peaceland, Ilugun Central, Sunshine Estate, and Abata CDA.
Mr. Okuneye Alaba Ezekiel, the Chairman of the Araromi-Ilugun-Itoko Community Development Association, explained that the challenge began around June of the current year. He expressed grave concerns about the erosion’s threat to the communities’ foundation and urged immediate action to prevent impending disasters when the rains return.
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Okuneye stated, “The gully erosion is endangering our communities’ foundation. It started in June this year and has become a significant concern for residents. We fear the onset of disaster if this terrible gully erosion isn’t addressed before the next rainy season.”
“We urgently call on the state and particularly the federal government, specifically the Ministry of Environment, to intervene. The gully erosion has destroyed the road, making access to houses impossible. We need the government to construct a large drainage system that can redirect the water to a nearby river. Otherwise, about 50 houses and seven communities will be severely affected once the rainy season commences,” he added.
Alhaji Kazeem AbdulAfeez and Mrs. Olusanjo Adebayo also pleaded with Governor Abiodun to intervene, highlighting the widespread fear among residents about the potential consequences if the problem persists.
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Lekan Adeniran, directed inquiries to the Commissioner for Works, Engr Ade Akinsanya, who oversees matters related to the residents’ demands. However, the Commissioner for Works had not responded to messages sent via WhatsApp, and calls to his phone went unanswered at the time of this report.
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