25th August 2025 – By Peter Omopo
Residents and commuters in Osun and Ondo states have raised the alarm over the deteriorating state of federal roads in the region, urging the Federal Government to urgently intervene to avert further accidents and economic losses.
In Osun, the Ilesa–Akure Expressway, especially the Osu/Iwaraja corridor, has become a nightmare for motorists. At Iloko Junction—one of the worst-hit sections—residents told The PUNCH on Sunday that temporary patching works by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) had repeatedly failed to provide lasting solutions.
“With what we are experiencing now, only complete removal and replacement of the asphalt can solve the problem,” said a resident, Tomisin Olatunde. “Between March and June this year, several serious accidents were recorded between Iloko Junction and the Road Safety office along the expressway.”
Commercial driver Razaq Akinleye, who has used the route for 15 years, said the last major reconstruction was carried out before the 2015 elections. According to him, even the efforts of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to fill potholes could not address the scale of damage.
“The patching by FERMA only lasts about three months. Beyond that, the bad spots reappear, and criminals take advantage because vehicles are forced to slow down there,” he lamented.
Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that the state government was assisting with repairs on some federal roads but stressed that Abuja must take full responsibility.
“We are involved in the repair of some FG roads in Osun. On that particular road, I want to urge the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility and fix it,” Alimi said.
Similarly, in Ondo State, residents of communities along the Akure–Ado Ekiti Expressway appealed to both federal and state governments to expedite the long-delayed reconstruction project.
The road, which links Ondo and Ekiti states, has been under construction since the end of the Buhari administration but remains incomplete, causing traffic gridlock and exposing travellers to security threats.
During a recent inspection, Minister of Works David Umahi announced plans to redesign and rebuild the road with concrete. But locals say the delays are unbearable.
“The last time I drove home was terrible,” said Olamide Babalayo, a native of Iju community. “We commend the FG for taking action, but they should expedite the work. People in the community are suffering, especially during this rainy season.”
Commercial drivers also warned that the poor road was hurting businesses. “The road is vital for trade between Ondo and Ekiti states. The government should complete it quickly so economic activities can flow better,” said one driver, Kunle.
When contacted, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the state was optimistic the situation would soon improve.
“I think the situation will improve now that the rains have ceased,” he said.
