Ogun Residents Protest Poor Roads and Decrepit Health Centre

Residents of Ilupeju, Oke-Afa, Kajola, and Olowofela communities in Magboro, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State, have raised concerns over the poor condition of roads and the dilapidated state of their local health centre.

Speaking to reporters, community members also highlighted the absence of schools, health facilities, and other basic amenities, urging the state government to intervene. Many accused successive administrations of neglect despite repeated petitions and promises.

During a site visit, correspondents observed roads that are nearly impassable. Nancy, a hairdresser, lamented that flooding during the rainy season worsens the situation, affecting her business.

“I barely get customers. I rented this shop because it was cheaper compared to the main road, but when it rains, it becomes worse. Sometimes, we even use canoes to get around,” she said.

Another resident, Damola, described the roads as hazardous for both motorists and pedestrians. A sachet water factory owner, AY, explained that previous efforts to repair the roads repeatedly failed due to floods.

The Baale of Oke-Afa, Chief Mufutau Sanni, who has ruled for 55 years, accused past governors of ignoring the communities. He noted that only the first executive governor after democracy’s return, Olusegun Osoba, provided tangible development such as electricity poles and a health centre.

Chief Razaq Fatai, the Bashorun, described the neglect as deliberate, saying that government officials only visit during campaigns. Jelili Omotedo, the Aare, lamented that the lack of schools forces children to travel long distances daily.

Attempts to reach the Local Government Chairman, Adesina Ogunsola, were unsuccessful. Ogun State Commissioner for Works, D.A. Akinsanya, confirmed ongoing construction in some areas but noted that all roads cannot be fixed simultaneously.