OGUN RESIDENTS SEEK URGENT ROAD REPAIRS AS RAIN TURNS ROUTE INTO DEATH TRAP

Residents of Cele Phase 2 community in Aseese, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, have appealed to the state and local governments to urgently rehabilitate their major access road, which they say has become almost impassable, particularly during the rainy season.

The residents said the poor condition of the road has made movement difficult for motorists, commercial motorcycle operators and pedestrians, while also affecting businesses and increasing the risk of accidents. 

According to the residents, the road becomes extremely muddy and slippery whenever it rains, forcing some motorists to avoid the route altogether.

One resident, Wale Elegbede, said residents often become worried about movement whenever rainfall begins because navigating the road becomes a major challenge.

He said he moved to Aseese about five years ago and had continued to witness the difficulties caused by the poor state of the road, particularly for residents who depend on cars to move around the community.

A trader in the area, Kemi Adebisi, also described the road as particularly problematic during the rainy season, saying its condition affects both movement and commercial activities.

She noted that commercial motorcyclists sometimes lose their balance and fall while navigating the slippery sections, while potential customers also avoid the area when the road becomes difficult to pass.

Another resident, Tosin Akinwale, said the poor road had caused him considerable financial losses because of repeated vehicle repairs.

Akinwale explained that although some sections of the road might appear manageable when dry, rainfall quickly transforms them into muddy and slippery paths that are difficult for vehicles to navigate. He said he had been forced to repair his vehicle several times because of the condition of the road. 

The situation has also affected social activities within the community. Adeoye Ogunwale, another resident, said he sometimes avoided inviting friends to his home because of the poor state of the access road.

He further complained that heavy rainfall often causes flooding, with the effects remaining several days after the rain has stopped because the road remains muddy and difficult to use.

The residents therefore called on the Obafemi Owode Local Government and the Ogun State Government to inspect the road and commence rehabilitation as soon as possible.

They said repairing the route would improve accessibility, reduce accidents and vehicle damage, support businesses and make movement easier for residents during the rainy season.

The residents' concerns come amid wider challenges with access roads in developing communities across Ogun State, where rapid residential growth has increased pressure on existing infrastructure.

For residents of Cele Phase 2, however, the immediate demand is straightforward: they want a motorable road that residents can safely use regardless of the weather.

They urged the relevant authorities to respond promptly before the deteriorating condition of the road causes more accidents, economic losses and disruption to daily activities in the community.