The Oye–Ilupeju road linking several towns in Ekiti State was on Thursday morning thrown into serious traffic gridlock as the deplorable condition of the federal road left commuters and motorists stranded.
The road, which serves as a major link for residents travelling between Oye, Ilupeju, Itapa, Ado-Ekiti and Ikole-Ekiti, Abuja became virtually impassable as vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, trailers and motorcycles struggled to navigate the badly damaged portions.
The situation resulted in heavy traffic, with motorists spending hours attempting to manoeuvre through the affected sections of the road. Personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police were also said to have been having a hectic time controlling traffic and ensuring that the situation did not degenerate further.
The development has renewed calls for urgent intervention by the Federal Government and the Ekiti State Government to save the critical road from total collapse and prevent communities along the route from being cut off from major towns. Residents and road users appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji to urgently mobilise the relevant authorities to commence comprehensive rehabilitation of the road.
It would be recalled that Precise News had, about two weeks ago, reported the deteriorating condition of the Oye–Ilupeju road and the hardship being experienced by road users..Following the report, the Executive Chairman of Ifeloju Local Council Development Area, Hon. Olusola Michael Oniyelu, provided temporary intervention by addressing some of the worst portions of the road.
However, the condition of the road has continued to deteriorate, particularly due to the increasing influx of trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles using the route.
As a result of the worsening situation, many motorists have now diverted to the Odoko–Ilupeju road and residents, however, warned that continued diversion of heavy traffic to alternative roads could also damage the newly rehabilitated routes if urgent measures are not taken.
The Oye–Ilupeju road is considered an important economic and transportation corridor for communities in the area, and its continued deterioration is already affecting the movement of people and goods. Stakeholders therefore urged the government not to wait until the road becomes completely impassable before taking action, stressing that urgent rehabilitation will save the road, protect alternative routes and prevent further hardship for residents and commuters.
