Ondo Community Protests Over Deplorable Roads, Seeks Aiyedatiwa’s Intervention

Residents of Iku Quarters in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Sunday staged a peaceful protest over the deteriorating condition of roads linking the community, calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene.

The protesters described the roads as death traps, saying years of neglect have resulted in avoidable accidents, loss of lives, and severe hardship for residents and farmers.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Mr Governor, We Are Dying. Our People Can No Longer Go To Farm Due To Bad Road,” “Awara/Ikare-Akoko Stadium Road Has Become A Death Trap,” and “We Need Urgent Government Intervention,” the demonstrators appealed to the state government to rehabilitate the roads.

Speaking during the protest, the traditional ruler of the community, the Oniku of Iku, Chief Mukaila Bello, said the poor state of the roads has crippled economic activities by making it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets.

He noted that the roads have become increasingly impassable due to deep potholes, erosion, and years of neglect, with the situation worsening during the rainy season.

According to Bello, the deteriorating infrastructure has increased transportation costs, disrupted businesses, hindered emergency response, and exposed motorists and residents to constant danger.

He appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to prioritise the rehabilitation of the Awara Water Works/Ikare-Akoko Stadium Road, while also calling on members of the National Assembly representing the area, local government authorities, and other political leaders to support efforts to restore the road network.

Also speaking, President of the Iku Elite Association, Mr. Adiamo Usman, urged the government to respond to the community’s long-standing appeals, stressing that residents have consistently supported the state’s development through active participation in elections.

Usman said the community was not asking for luxury but for safe and motorable roads that would improve livelihoods, enhance economic activities, and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

He expressed confidence that the government would heed the community’s call and take prompt action to address the deteriorating road infrastructure.