FG Neglects ‘Death Trap’ Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin Highway Despite Calls For Urgent Reconstruction

For decades, the federal government has neglected the Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin Federal Road, making it a ‘death trap’. The road, a vital link between Southwest and Northern Nigeria, has been at a standstill recently due to its collapse, sparking protests and fears of fire disasters caused by stranded petrol tankers.

Despite neglecting this vital link road, the government allocated huge funds to construct the Lagos-Calabar Expressway project. The Oyo-Ogbomoso highway has been under reconstruction for over two decades. The project was initiated in 2001 but was plagued by delays and underfunding.

The deplorable condition of the road has caused countless tragedies, including the death of five traditional rulers in 2023 en route to a meeting in Ogbomoso. Recent incidents in October 2024 have halted the movement, creating a gridlock stretching several kilometres and leaving thousands of heavy-duty vehicles stranded.

Oba Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, released a statement expressing deep concern about the road’s impact on lives and commerce. The monarch acknowledged the suffering of residents and travellers while revealing interim measures to address the situation.

He mentioned that a partnership with a construction firm had commenced rehabilitation work on October 18, 2024, focusing on the Ogbomoso stretch, with promises of expedited relief.

However, the slow pace of federal intervention has drawn ire. Despite the recent award of a rehabilitation contract to Abuja-based HMF Construction Limited for the old Oyo-Ogbomoso road, progress remains insufficient.

Youth groups, led by the National Association of University Students and Ogbomoso Indigenous Associations, staged a protest weeks ago, condemning the government’s negligence. They described the frequent accidents and loss of lives as “murder” due to gross mismanagement.

The protesters issued a 30-day ultimatum to the federal and Oyo State governments to address the condition of the road. They warned of demonstrations and potential economic shutdowns if their demands were ignored.

In November, an official from HMF Construction Limited assured that the section from Winners Roundabout, Ogbomoso, to Oyo metropolis, would be completed within three weeks to restore free traffic flow, despite the promises the road continues to be in despair with many travellers expressing their disappointment.

Furthermore, videos online show many travellers trekking towards the Ibadan/Lagos axis, hoping to join them on the other side. The deplorable state of the road leaves them with no choice but to make the arduous journey on foot.

Read More:

• Mali Begins Seizing Gold Stock at Barrick Gold Site Amid Stricter Mining Rules
• UI Students To Protest Over Two Months Power Outage at UCH, Issue 7-Day Ultimatum to FG

About The Author

Oluwasegun Sanusi

author

See author's posts