By Divine Sam
IBADAN, OYO STATE – Residents of Elebu Community in Ibadan have expressed frustration over the deteriorating condition of the Elebu Road, accusing the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of concentrating infrastructure development in urban areas while abandoning rural communities.
The road, which serves as a major access route for thousands of residents, motorists, traders, and businesses, has become riddled with deep potholes, muddy sections, and stagnant pools of water, making movement increasingly difficult, especially during the rainy season.
Several residents who spoke with our correspondent described the situation as unbearable and called on the Oyo State Government to urgently intervene before the road deteriorates further.
A community leader, who requested anonymity, alleged that the Elebu Road project became entangled in politics.
According to him, a member of the House of Representatives had responded to repeated appeals from residents by commencing rehabilitation work on part of the road. However, he claimed the project was halted after the Oyo State Government reportedly stated that the road had already been captured in its 2025 budget.
“The contractor stopped work and left because the government said the road was already included in its budget. We are now in 2026, yet nothing has been done. The section left unfinished has remained in a deplorable state, and residents continue to suffer daily,” the community leader alleged.
He urged the state government to fulfill its commitment and complete the project, stressing that infrastructure development should not be influenced by political considerations.
A resident, Mrs. Fatima Oluwakolapo, who identified herself as a pregnant woman living in the community, narrated the hardship she faces while accessing healthcare facilities.
According to her, travelling on commercial motorcycles (Okada) or tricycles (Keke) has become painful because of the numerous potholes and uneven sections of the road.
“Going to the health centre is always stressful. Every bump on the road causes discomfort, and pregnant women suffer the most. We deserve better roads like other communities,” she said.
Mrs. Oluwakolapo also referenced the reconstruction of the Ayegun-Oleyo Road, which she said had significantly improved transportation and commercial activities in that area, expressing hope that similar attention would be given to Elebu.
Residents appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently address the worsening condition of the road, arguing that equitable development should extend beyond urban centres to communities on the outskirts of Ibadan.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the allegations or provided an update on the commencement of the Elebu Road project. The residents say they remain hopeful that their concerns will receive prompt attention before the situation worsens.
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