By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Residents of Ijoka community in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State took to the streets in large numbers on Monday to protest the deteriorating condition of the major road linking their community.
The road, which has been left in a deplorable state, was barricaded by angry residents using tyres, wood, and stones.
The protesters accused the state government of abandoning the dualisation of the Ijoka road project, a scheme that was initiated during the tenure of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. According to the residents, work on the road stalled following the governor’s passing in December 2023, leaving one of the state capital’s busiest and most strategic routes to further decay.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Fix Ijoka Road, Save Our Lives,” “No More Promises, We Need Action,” and “We Deserve Good Roads Too,” the residents also sang solidarity chants to highlight their demands.
Chief Kayode Ogunleye, a community leader, urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to complete the abandoned project in honour of his predecessor’s legacy.
He emphasised, “Finishing this road would be the best way to respect the memory of his predecessor and ease the suffering of thousands of Akure residents.”
Gbenga Fasua, Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, who visited the protest site, called for calm and patience among residents.
He stated, “I appeal to all residents to cooperate and be patient while the authorities put measures in place to fix this road once and for all.”