An Ibadan-based civil servant, Mr. Kolapo, has abandoned his three-bedroom apartment along the Ajibode–Laniba–Lagbeja–Akingbile road in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State due to the deteriorating condition of the road.
The road, which serves more than 52 communities and villages in Akinyele, including Ajibode, Laniba, Lagbeja, Akingbile, Olodo and Kankun, has become severely degraded and largely impassable, Newsmen report.
Kolapo, who invested his savings to acquire land and build his home, said he was forced to relocate not because of poor electricity or water supply, but due to the daily hardship and security risks associated with using the abandoned road.
Investigations revealed that Kolapo’s experience is shared by thousands of residents, with many landlords abandoning their properties as the road continues to worsen.
Ajibode–Laniba–Lagbeja–Akingbile road began in 2011 under former Governor Abiola Ajimobi following the devastating Ibadan floods. While sections from Ajibode to Laniba and Akingbile to Lagbeja were completed, the four-kilometre stretch between Laniba and Lagbeja was left unfinished.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration later commenced drainage work on one side of the abandoned section, but the project stalled, leaving the road exposed to erosion and criminal activities.
Residents say the abandoned portion now poses serious security threats, with miscreants taking advantage of the poor condition to carry out illegal activities.
Community leaders and residents lamented that repeated appeals to the government have yielded little result, forcing them to resort to self-help by contributing funds to fill potholes.
They warned that continued neglect could further undermine development, worsen insecurity, and force more residents to abandon their homes.
However, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, assured that the road and all ongoing projects would be completed before the end of the administration, stressing that the governor has vowed not to abandon any project.