pannigeriannews 
By Sayo Alagbe
After years of tragic road accidents, public outcry, and relentless appeals by the people of Ogbomoso, the Federal Government finally approved the rehabilitation of the most deplorable sections of the Ogbomoso Federal Old Road. The project focused on the stretch from the Oja-Titun axis to Takie Junction, Ìjérù Primary School, Caretaker, Ahoyaya and Ogbomoso High School area of the city.
Before the government’s intervention, these deteriorated portions of the road had claimed numerous lives and left many others permanently maimed—most of them indigenes of the ancient town. Those who survived road accidents continued to battle health complications due to prolonged exposure to dust from the unpaved road, which had been practically unfit for both vehicles and pedestrians. By my estimation, at least 12 people lost their lives in accidents caused by articulated lorries and reckless driving. The families of these victims received no compensation from either the state or federal government, nor from political officeholders, leaving them to face their loss without support. Reports indicate that some parents of accident victims, whose survival depended on their children, also succumbed to extreme grief and starvation.
For months, individuals, newspapers, editorial writers, and online media persistently called on the federal government to fulfill its responsibility and fix the road. The worsening situation led to extreme traffic congestion that paralyzed the economic activities of Ogbomoso. Fortunately, the outcry did not go unheard, even though action was only taken when the crisis had reached a boiling point.
According to available information, the first proactive effort to address the situation was made by the Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III. He reportedly attempted to rehabilitate the road in collaboration with a construction company before being stopped, as road maintenance falls under the federal government’s jurisdiction. Further efforts were made by Senator Fatai Omotayo Buhari, representing Oyo North Senatorial District, and Honorable Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, representing Ogbomoso North, South, and Orire Local Government Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Their advocacy finally bore fruit in December last year when Nigeria’s Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, accompanied by Senator Buhari, visited Ogbomoso to officially flag off the road reconstruction.
The people of Ogbomoso welcomed the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the damaged sections with great relief and jubilation. However, many residents continue to wonder why the federal government has not extended the reconstruction to other critical sections of the road, including Ahoyaya, Ogbomoso High School, Kinnira, and Odo-Oba, which are still in dire need of rehabilitation with super-coated bitumen. As the Yoruba proverb says, “A job well done deserves completion.”
The Federal Government’s efforts to rehabilitate the road are highly commendable and have been well received by the people of Ogbomoso, as well as travelers who rely on this vital route linking the North and the West. By fixing the damaged sections, the government has helped avert further loss of lives and economic stagnation. The restoration of these key portions will go a long way in ensuring the safety of both drivers and passengers who use the road daily for their business and personal activities.
While the completed repairs are appreciated, another pressing concern remains: when will the long-awaited new Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso Federal Highway finally be completed? This crucial road, which is just 8 to 9 kilometers from reaching Ogbomoso and linking up with Ilorin in Kwara State, remains in a frustratingly slow state of progress. The devastation caused by the unfinished highway is immeasurable—thousands of lives have been lost, many individuals have been crippled, and countless victims suffer from lifelong mental and physical disabilities.
Disturbingly, reports suggest that the remaining portion of the highway has not been included in the 2025 fiscal budget. If this is true, it is imperative for the federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to urgently allocate resources and ensure its swift completion. The continued neglect of this critical road is a death sentence for countless Nigerians who rely on it. For the sake of all road users and their safety, the government must act with urgency to put an end to the recurring carnage on this route.
