Aggrieved youths from the Irekari Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have stormed the Governor’s office in Akure to protest the deplorable condition of roads and lack of social amenities in their communities.
The protesters, who came in their numbers, lamented the absence of hospitals, electricity, and other basic infrastructure in the four towns that make up the LCDA – Afo, Imeri, Idogun, and Idoani.
Armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as “Mr Governor, We Are Suffering,” “Irekari is Part of Ondo State,”; “No Road, No Bank, No Light,” and “No Hospital, No Court, No Road,” the youths decried years of neglect and marginalisation of the community by the state government.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Adewumi Adekola expressed concerns over the worsening condition of roads linking the communities, noting that many residents have died due to the delay in accessing medical facilities in Owo.
He cited a recent incident involving a reverend father who reportedly died while being transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, through a road that should ordinarily take less than 30 minutes but now takes about two hours.
Adekola, who read a protest letter signed by himself, Ade Akingbade, and Femi Agbaje condemned the exclusion of Irekari LCDA from the emergency road intervention projects recently approved by the state government.
He also lamented the Magistrate and Customary Courts in the area were relocated due to the bad state of the roads, making it difficult for residents to access legal services.
The protest letter partly read: “Our communities – Idoani, Afo, Imeri, and Idogun – have been cut off from the rest of the state for years. We are deprived of basic infrastructure such as good roads, electricity, and access to justice.
“The deplorable condition of the Ipele-Idoani, Ifira-Isua, and Oba-Ikun-Afo-Idoani roads has made life unbearable for our people. This situation has also heightened security challenges in our area.
“We appeal to Mr. Governor to urgently rehabilitate the Afo-Idoani road, overhaul Idoani General Hospital, and restore the relocated courts. We also demand improved power supply, renovation of Irekari Comprehensive Grammar School, and strengthened security architecture.”
Addressing the protesters, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Smart Omodunbi Jr., assured them that their grievances would be addressed promptly.
He said: “I want to assure you that your letter will be delivered to the governor, who is already aware of your presence here. He has directed that relevant officials visit your communities and take immediate action.
“I commend you for your peaceful conduct. The governor is passionate about youth-related issues and will ensure your demands receive prompt attention.”
