Ogun Communities Pin Hopes On Senator Adeola To End Years Of Hardship On Arigbawonwo Road

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Residents and community leaders along the Arigbawonwo Road in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have appealed to the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for the state, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, aka Yayi, to intervene in the reconstruction of the 5.1-kilometre road, saying its poor condition is crippling economic activities and making life difficult for thousands of residents.

The appeal followed a meeting of traditional rulers, Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Committees (CDCs) and other stakeholders, who said they were shocked by a recent viral video in which Yayi reportedly claimed the road was part of what he has started reconstructing.

They, however, expressed their appreciation ahead of their strong belief that Yayi will take over the project and complete it before July ending like he has done in other adjourning communities.

Speaking on behalf of the communities,
Engr. Adeleke Gboyega, Chairman Obafemi Owode Zonal CDC said that the gathering was prompted by a viral video in which Adeola reportedly stated that the Arigbawonwo Road project was under construction.

He also said that the stakeholders convened to seek clarification on the reported announcement and to reaffirm their support for the project.

According to him, residents have continued to invest their own resources in maintaining the road despite its strategic importance to the area.

“The community has spent between N13 million and N15 million on palliative repairs to keep the road motorable. However, these are only temporary interventions because we do not have the capacity to undertake a full reconstruction,” he said.

Adeleke described the road as a critical transport corridor linking several communities and providing access to the Sagamu-Papalanto Road.

He noted that a properly constructed road would stimulate commerce, improve mobility and enhance residents’ quality of life.

He said the communities were optimistic because of Adeola’s record in executing infrastructure projects across Ogun State, expressing hope that the reconstruction would commence soon.

“We know this is a project beyond the capacity of our communities. We believe government intervention will transform the area and unlock its economic potential,” he added.

He also disclosed that the road serves 12 traditional communities represented by Baales and connects about 340 Community Development Associations, making it one of the busiest community road networks in the area.

Okeowo Isiaka Adeshina, Chairman, Arigbawonwo CDC, said that the communities had recently carried out grading and other palliative works on the 5.1-kilometre road through contributions from residents, traditional institutions and community development groups.

While describing the intervention as helpful, he said it could not replace a permanent solution.

“The condition of the road has forced some residents to relocate and affected businesses operating along the corridor. We believe that once the road is reconstructed, people will return, investments will increase and commercial activities will pick up again,” he said.

Adeshina noted that the road links directly to the Sagamu-Papalanto federal highway and serves as an important access route for surrounding communities.

Also speaking, Alhaji Oseni Monsuru, Chairman Area CDC, Omu-Aleku, said the road project would benefit 12 Baales, two Area CDCs and more than 60 Community Development Associations.

He explained that before recent community-funded grading works, motorists could spend as much as 45 minutes navigating the road.

The temporary repairs have reduced travel time to about 15 minutes, while a properly reconstructed road would further improve accessibility.

According to him, the corridor accommodates markets, businesses, a developing health centre, a filling station and several residential communities whose socio-economic activities have been hampered by the poor condition of the road.

“If the road is fixed, movement will become easier, businesses will thrive and people will have better access to healthcare, markets and other essential services,” he said.

The community leaders maintained that they were not challenging Yayi’s statement on the project but were instead expressing confidence that his administration would fulfil what they described as a commitment to reconstruct the road.

They added that beyond easing transportation, the project would open up the area for investment, strengthen local commerce and improve the livelihoods of residents across the communities connected by the Arigbawonwo corridor.