For thousands of residents living in Isewo and adjoining communities in Obada, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, every journey begins with uncertainty and frustration.
What should be a simple commute to work, school, hospitals, markets or places of business has become a daily struggle due to the deplorable state of the Isewo Road, a critical access route serving more than 100,000 people.
The road, residents say, has deteriorated beyond what community efforts can handle, leaving motorists stranded, damaging vehicles and crippling economic activities in the fast-growing communities.
Despite years of self-help interventions funded by residents, temporary repairs have repeatedly failed, prompting an urgent appeal to government and political leaders to come to their rescue.
In a letter made available to journalists, the Community Development Association (CDA) leadership and other stakeholders appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun state, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), Senator Salisu Shuaib of Ogun Central Senatorial District, and the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, to facilitate the reconstruction of the road.
The residents noted that the road serves as a major artery linking several communities and remains vital to the movement of farmers, traders, students, artisans and workers.
A landlord and community stakeholder, Comrade Olateju Aliu Afrekar, expressed frustration over what he described as years of neglect despite the residents’ loyalty and support for government initiatives.
According to him, the poor condition of the road has become a major obstacle to development and investment in the area.
“We are law-abiding citizens and have always supported government policies and participated actively during elections. Yet, we have been left to suffer on this road for years,” he lamented.
He recalled that residents had repeatedly pooled resources to hire equipment and carry out palliative repairs, but the interventions only provided temporary relief before the road deteriorated again.
“Each time we contribute money and rehabilitate portions of the road, the improvement lasts only a short period. The road now requires a permanent solution that only the government can provide,” he said.
For traders, the road has translated into rising transportation costs and declining patronage, while students and workers often spend hours navigating sections rendered nearly impassable during the rainy season.
Community leaders warned that continued neglect could further isolate the area and undermine economic growth.
Describing good roads as a necessity rather than a luxury, the residents also appealed to philanthropists, corporate organisations, business owners and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at making the road motorable.
“Together, we can restore hope, improve transportation, boost economic activities and make our roads safer for everyone,” the residents said in a joint appeal.
As calls for intervention grow louder, many residents say they remain hopeful that their cries will finally attract the attention of those in positions to bring lasting relief to a community that has endured years of hardship on one of Ewekoro’s most troubled roads.
