Olusegun Adeyemo
The Odo Ayedun Concerned Citizens Forum has renewed calls for urgent intervention by the Federal Government and the Ekiti State Government to rehabilitate the collapsing Odo Ayedun–Omuo Federal Road. They described the current state of the road as not only an “economic and safety disaster” but also a reflection of the worsening condition of federal roads across Nigeria.
The Odo Ayedun–Omuo road is a vital economic corridor that links the South-West region to the northern parts of the country, facilitating trade, agricultural movement, and social integration. However, large portions of the highway have been eaten away by gaping potholes, deep craters, and eroded shoulders, making the road nearly impassable. Commuters now spend hours on a journey that should take minutes, while commercial transporters complain of frequent vehicle breakdowns and soaring maintenance costs.
“Traveling on this road is a nightmare,” said Engineer Ayo Aregbesola, a member of the forum and resident of Odo Ayedun Ekiti. “It is riddled with deep potholes and gullies that damage vehicles and cause serious accidents. Beyond the economic losses, road users are vulnerable to armed robbery and kidnappings because criminals take advantage of stranded vehicles.”
He stressed that the road’s strategic importance makes its neglect particularly damaging. “This road connects the South-West to the North and plays a vital role in regional trade and integration. We cannot afford to ignore it any longer,” Aregbesola added.
The situation on the Odo Ayedun–Omuo road mirrors a broader national crisis. Across Nigeria, major highways such as the Abuja–Lokoja road, Benin–Warri road, and Enugu–Port Harcourt expressway have deteriorated despite repeated government promises of rehabilitation. Bad roads not only cripple economic activities but also contribute to rising cases of road crashes, loss of goods, and increased insecurity.
The forum has therefore urged both the Federal and Ekiti State governments to mobilize resources for immediate rehabilitation and long-term reconstruction of the Odo Ayedun–Omuo road.
Residents of Odo Ayedun and neighboring communities believe that fixing this critical route will not only restore economic viability but also reduce the suffering of thousands of commuters who rely on it daily.