Young people, including students, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, organized a protest on Saturday, expressing their dissatisfaction with the deteriorating state of the Ogbomoso Road. They highlighted the frequent accidents on the road, which have resulted in numerous tragic deaths.
The protesters attributed these fatalities to the poor condition of the road, criticizing the authorities’ negligence and labeling the resulting deaths as “murder.”
Led by the National Association of University Students (NAUS) and the Ogbomoso Indigenous Associations, the group issued a 30-day ultimatum to both the Federal and Oyo State governments, demanding urgent intervention.
They warned that if their demands were not met, they would escalate their actions with large-scale protests and potential economic disruptions.
Protests Over Ogbomoso Road’s Condition
Addressing the crowd at the Saki Roundabout in Ogbomoso, Comrade Tiamiyu Olayinka, Vice President of NAUS, stated that the loss of lives on the road was avoidable and called the incidents “murders,” not mere accidents.
“As we gather here today, we confront the harsh reality of the road’s disrepair, which affects our daily lives. For years, Ogbomoso Road has served as a key passage for travelers between the North and Southwest. It is one of the nation’s busiest routes due to its strategic importance.
“Despite this, many lives have been lost due to the failure of the authorities to repair the road. These deaths are not accidents; they are murders. The NAUS Southwest leadership can no longer remain silent in the face of these acts of negligence by the Federal Government,” Olayinka emphasized.
He also pointed out that “the road has been a critical lifeline for travelers, yet an alternative project started years ago remains unfinished, with the last 5 kilometers incomplete. This poses serious dangers to both travelers and local residents.”
**Challenges with the Oyo-Ogbomoso Road**
Olayinka further noted that this road remains the primary route connecting the North to the South. Due to its poor state, drivers are forced to use an alternate route through the center of Ogbomoso town.
“Residents are frustrated by the repeated unfulfilled promises and watching their town’s potential decline. This neglect impacts not only local residents but also businesses and the broader local economy,” he said.
He emphasized that Ogbomoso, home to one of the largest universities of technology in Nigeria (LAUTECH), is seeing students risk their lives daily due to the road’s condition. He expressed his disappointment at the situation, calling it “completely unacceptable.”
As a key link between the Southwest and Northern regions, Ogbomoso is a crucial economic hub. However, the poor road infrastructure hampers trade and economic activities, creating financial difficulties for the community.
“We call for immediate action from the Federal Ministry of Works and other relevant authorities to complete the Ibadan-Ogbomoso Road project, repair and maintain the current road, and provide support for affected businesses and residents.
“We are giving a 30-day ultimatum for these demands to be addressed. If not, we will intensify our protests, shut down economic activities, and take the issue to both national and international levels. Our fight will continue until our concerns are resolved,” he declared.
