A licensed surveyor and community stakeholder, Surv. Kunle Busari, has raised concerns over worsening insecurity, deteriorating road infrastructure and the emergence of what he described as “ungoverned spaces” in parts of Kajola and Iwajowa Local Government Areas of Oyo State.
In an open letter addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde, Busari called for urgent government intervention to address security threats and infrastructural challenges affecting communities across the Okeho–Ilero–Iwere-Ile–Iganna–Itasa axis.
The surveyor expressed concern over recent kidnapping incidents reported in different parts of the state, including Ogbomoso, Idi-Ayunre and the Cocoa Research Institute area, warning that such developments were undermining public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
He urged the state government to strengthen its security framework through greater collaboration with traditional institutions and community leaders.
Full statement reads:
OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR SEYI MAKINDE
Insecurity, Infrastructure Decay and Ungoverned Spaces in Kajola and Iwajowa Local Government Areas
Your Excellency,
May Almighty God continue to grant you wisdom, strength and courage as you steer the affairs of Oyo State through these challenging times.
I write with a deep sense of concern regarding the growing security challenges, infrastructural neglect and emerging ungoverned spaces within parts of Kajola and Iwajowa Local Government Areas of Oyo State. These issues demand urgent government attention before they develop into a more serious threat to the safety, stability and economic prosperity of our people.
Permit me to begin with the painful issue of the recent kidnappings that have shaken public confidence across the state. At this critical moment, I believe no sacrifice is too great when it comes to securing the safe return of innocent victims. Human life remains priceless, and every legitimate avenue capable of facilitating their release deserves careful consideration. The recent incidents in Ogbomoso, Idi-Ayunre and the Cocoa Research Institute area are clear indicators that our security architecture requires immediate strengthening and strategic recalibration.
Your Excellency, the traditional institutions remain the closest structures to the grassroots. Our revered traditional rulers and community leaders possess invaluable local knowledge and influence. They should be empowered and supported to coordinate effective community-based security and neighbourhood watch systems capable of complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies.
My concerns became even more profound following a recent land survey assignment in Itasa, Iwajowa Local Government Area, shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. Travelling through the Okeho–Ilero–Iwere-Ile–Iganna–Itasa corridor exposed me to a reality that should worry every stakeholder in Oyo State.
While the road from Iseyin to Okeho shows some evidence of government attention, the situation deteriorates drastically beyond that point. The roads connecting Okeho, Ilero, Iwere-Ile, Iganna and Itasa have become severely dilapidated and increasingly dangerous. Motorists are often compelled to crawl at extremely low speeds simply to navigate the failed sections. Transportation costs have risen sharply because of the terrible road conditions, placing additional hardship on already struggling residents.
More troubling is the implication for healthcare and emergency response. One shudders to imagine what would happen if a pregnant woman, accident victim or critically ill patient required urgent medical attention along these corridors. The present condition of the roads represents a direct threat to human life.
Beyond the issue of infrastructure lies an even greater concern. Vast portions of our forests and rural communities appear increasingly vulnerable. Non-indigenous settlers, including herders and other groups, have established a growing presence in many of these remote areas. The reality on the ground suggests that certain locations are gradually becoming ungoverned spaces where government presence is limited and security oversight remains inadequate.
Although personnel of the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Immigration Service are visible at some strategic points, they appear overstretched and constrained by difficult terrain and poor infrastructure. In the event of a major security incident, one is compelled to ask: how quickly can reinforcement realistically arrive?
The consequences are already evident. Farmers are becoming increasingly apprehensive. Agricultural productivity is threatened. Some are abandoning their farmlands altogether. If left unchecked, this trend could aggravate food insecurity and undermine the economic wellbeing of communities that have historically contributed significantly to the state’s agricultural output.
In view of these challenges, I respectfully urge Your Excellency to consider the following measures:
Immediate strengthening and coordination of community-based security and vigilante networks under the supervision of traditional rulers and relevant security agencies.
Urgent reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Okeho–Ilero–Iwere-Ile–Iganna–Itasa road corridor.
Establishment of modern farm settlements and agricultural support infrastructure to encourage investment and restore confidence among farmers.
Institutionalisation of periodic security meetings involving the local government authorities of Kajola, Iwajowa, Iseyin and Itesiwaju, alongside traditional rulers, security agencies and retired military officers from the affected communities.
Creation of a state-owned community media platform dedicated to public enlightenment, civic education and dissemination of critical government information to rural populations.
Your Excellency, the neglect of this axis constitutes not only a security concern but also an economic challenge with far-reaching implications for Oyo State. Communities within these local government areas are home to hardworking citizens whose welfare, security and development deserve the same level of attention accorded to every other part of the state.
Whether these roads fall under federal or state jurisdiction should not diminish the urgency of intervention. The people affected are citizens of Oyo State and Nigerians who look to government for protection, inclusion and development.
The time to act is now. Delayed intervention may ultimately prove more costly than proactive action. History teaches us that unattended grievances, neglected infrastructure and ungoverned spaces often become breeding grounds for larger crises.
I therefore appeal to Your Excellency to deploy the same determination and commitment that have characterised your administration in other sectors towards addressing these pressing challenges. The people of Kajola and Iwajowa deserve safer communities, better roads and a stronger government presence.
May God continue to guide you and grant you the wisdom to make decisions that will advance the peace, security and prosperity of Oyo State.
Yours faithfully
Surv. Kunle Busari,
Akabiako Compound, Saki.