Residents of the Elebu community in Ido Local Government Area have formally debunked viral social media reports claiming that their primary access road has undergone reconstruction by the state government. During a fact-finding visit by news correspondents today, community leaders expressed frustration over what they termed “misleading propaganda” regarding the state of the critical corridor.
The community clarified that the minor improvements observed on the road recently were not the result of government intervention. Instead, the temporary relief was made possible through a community-funded grading project. Frustrated by years of neglect, local youth and landlords contributed personal funds to hire equipment to level the most treacherous portions of the terrain to allow for basic movement.
Representing over 50 communities and an estimated 250,000 residents, the stakeholders issued a passionate appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde. They reminded the Governor of a public pledge he reportedly made during his 2024 visit to the area, where he promised that the Elebu-Circular Road axis would be a priority for his administration’s infrastructure agenda.
The current state of the road has reached a breaking point, according to local residents. The deep craters and erosion-ravaged sections have paralyzed local economic activities, as shop owners struggle to receive supplies and transport costs have tripled. “Our businesses are dying because customers can no longer reach us,” one trader lamented during the briefing.
Beyond the economic toll, the road has become a “death trap” for vehicles. Motorists reported frequent mechanical breakdowns, with many residents forced to abandon their cars at various junctions and trek long distances to their homes. The situation is particularly dire for emergency services, as ambulances and fire trucks find the terrain nearly impassable.
The community concluded by urging the Ministry of Works to move beyond “paper approvals” and commence actual rigid pavement construction. They warned that without urgent intervention, the upcoming rainy season could completely cut off the Elebu axis from the rest of Ibadan, leaving thousands of taxpayers stranded and isolated.
