The tears of Idomila: A community’s cry for help over deplorable road condition

Raymond Osho
ABEOKUTA- In the heart of Ogun State, a community is suffering. Idomila, a once-thriving farming community in Ijebu North East Local Government, is now a shadow of its former self.
The deplorable state of their road has brought immense hardship, casualties, and even death.
As our reporter walked through the community, he saw the pain etched on the faces of the residents.
They have lost loved ones, struggled to access basic amenities, and watched their livelihoods crumble. The road, once a lifeline, has become a death trap.
Alhaji Kunle Sanni, Chairman of the Idomila Elders Council, shared the community’s plea: “We beg the Governor to repair this road. We voted for him, and we believe he will help us.
His voice cracked with emotion as he spoke of the 938 houses under siege by erosion, the millions spent on palliatives, and the lives lost.
“All the communities that this road is connected to are struggling. Houses have been affected negatively. Our children can walk on this road.
Mrs. Dahunsi Oderinde, a community member, said: “We’ve tried to fill the potholes, but it’s a never-ending battle. We need the Governor’s intervention to repair this road, which connects us to the Army Barracks and the market.”
As our reporter looked around, he saw the desperation in the eyes of the residents. They held placards, begging the Governor to fix the road. “Bike man, Motorist are avoiding this road,”
Other inscriptions on the placards : “Gov. Dapo Abiodun, we appeal to you to fix Idomila road,” and “We believe in you, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Fix Idomila road for us, it’s a death trap.”
The construction of the road, halted at the residence of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has left the remaining kilometers impassable. The community is cut off, and their cries for help are falling on deaf ears.
As I left Idomila, I couldn’t shake off the ill feeling. A community is dying, and are begging the Ogun government to change their narrative.