Residents of Aduramigba community in Ido-Osun, Egbedore LGA of Osun State staged a peaceful protest on Friday over the alleged substandard construction of a 4.76-kilometre road jointly funded by the World Bank and the Osun State Government.
Just days after tarring, heavy rain on Thursday washed away large sections of the newly completed road, exposing what residents described as “shoddy and corrupt work.”
Brandishing placards with inscriptions like “We say no to no drainage and stonebase road,” and “We kick against corruption on this project,” the demonstrators accused the contractor of laying asphalt directly on clay soil without drainage or a proper stone base.
Community Leaders Speak Out
Chairman of the Aduramigba community, Mr. Sunday Ogundele, said the project had failed to meet basic construction standards:
“They began tarring on Sunday and Monday, but by Thursday, a single rainfall had already washed parts of the road away. There’s no proper foundation, no drainage — nothing.”
He noted that Governor Ademola Adeleke had visited the site in March after residents sent a protest letter, promising to ensure quality work. However, the situation has only worsened, he said:
“We appeal to Governor Adeleke to come back and inspect this work. This road serves more than six communities — Igi-Gogoro, Unity Estate, Okini, Ifon, Ilobu, Erin. Such poor work wouldn’t be tolerated in the Governor’s own hometown.”
More Voices from the Ground
Another resident, Toba Ayodele, urged the state government to act swiftly:
“I’ve seen roads constructed under this administration elsewhere — this is not up to standard. Someone must be held accountable.”
Protesters’ Demands:
- Immediate inspection and intervention by Governor Adeleke
- Enforcement of quality control standards
- Sanctioning of the contractor and consultant involved
- Completion of drainage systems and stone base layering
The road project, expected to connect critical communities and ease transportation, has now turned into a symbol of failed oversight, raising questions about contract supervision and project execution under foreign and state-funded initiatives.
All eyes are now on the Osun State Government and World Bank project monitors as residents await a firm response — not just promises, but visible reconstruction and accountability.
