Residents and commuters in communities around Magboro in Ogun State have raised concerns over the worsening condition of a major road linking Abule Oko, Oke-Ayo, Igaun and Makogi, saying the deteriorated route has become a safety hazard and is disrupting economic activities.
The road, which connects several residential and commercial areas to Cele Bus Stop and Magboro Main Market, has become increasingly difficult to navigate, particularly during the rainy season.
Following recent heavy rainfall, sections of the road became nearly impassable, forcing some residents to remove their shoes to access nearby markets, according to residents interviewed by local media.
Commercial motorcyclist Abubakar said the road was previously more accessible after community members carried out repairs, but conditions have worsened significantly in recent years.
“When I first started working here, movement was easy because community youths had repaired parts of the road,” he said. “Now the road is in very bad condition, especially during the rainy season.”
Abubakar said he had not witnessed any government intervention on the road, although a section near Magboro Main Market was recently repaired. He said residents were uncertain whether the work was carried out by government authorities or private individuals.
Another resident, who requested anonymity, said the road had remained in poor condition for years, with only temporary maintenance efforts such as periodic grading by the Community Development Association.
“The road has been like this for many years,” the resident said. “Grading it once or twice a year does not solve the problem.”
Traders at Abule Oko Market said the deteriorating road has led to frequent accidents and reduced customer traffic.
“In most cases, people fall and sustain injuries. Motorcycles lose balance, and cars struggle to pass,” one trader said.
Abubakar said motorists attempting to avoid potholes and muddy sections often lose control, resulting in collisions and injuries.
“People have suffered broken limbs and other serious injuries because of accidents on this road,” he said.
Local business owners said the road’s condition has negatively affected commerce, with some traders relocating because customers increasingly avoid the area.
“This road is very important to our businesses,” trader Alamu said. “When the road is bad, especially during rain, many customers stop coming.”
Another trader, identified as Mummy Pemisire, recalled an incident in which a fish seller reportedly slipped on the muddy road and fractured her arm while trying to reach the market.
Responding to the concerns, Kayode Akinmade, special adviser to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun on media and strategy, said road rehabilitation projects in the area are being implemented in phases.
Akinmade said several roads within Magboro and neighboring communities had already been repaired and assured residents that additional roads would be addressed as resources become available.
“We have done a lot of work in some corridors,” he said. “We cannot fix all the roads at the same time. It is one step at a time.”
He appealed for patience and said the government remained committed to improving road infrastructure across affected communities.
