Kunle Adelabu
A concern resident has urged the leaders and major stakeholders in Ikorodu Division to take advantage of the election season to get commitments of political candidates towards the completion of the ongoing Agric/Isawo/Lagos -Ibadan Express Road project to create an alterative route in/out of Ikorodu.
The need for the alternative route has become increasingly needed going by the daily experiences of residents and hundreds if not thousands of road users on daily basis, coupled with the economic and social effects on residents. This is the situation that made Mr Oke Godwin Olaoluwa, an economist and social critic to urge stakeholders in Ikorodu to seize the moment.
Recall that the political leaders in Ikorodu about 20 years ago resolved at the choice of Agric/Isawo/Lagos -Ibadan Expressway as alternative route in/out of Ikorodu following the outcry by residents. The choice of the route was informed by the finding of a committee setup for the purpose led by the then Secretary to the Lagos State Government, late Princess Aderenle Ogunsanya, former Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade among others.
The committee of eminent Ikorodu sons and daughters, most of whom are either elected and appointed went round strategic areas of the Ikorodu Division before zeroing the alternative route down to Agric/Isawo/Lagos -Ibada Expressway. Since then, there has been attempts by the government at both state and federal levels to achieve the purpose but they failed.
The recent attempt by the Lagos State Government started under the administration of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who embarked on massive demolition of buildings both at Agric/Isawo Road and Igbogbo axis at the same time to create right of ways did not make any conclusive impact. Unfortunately, he was unable to secure a second term re -election, thus, the project which he started is still ongoing almost 10 years after under the administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo -Olu, who has less than a year to conclude the final phase of his tenure.
The representative of Ikorodu federal constituency, Rep. Babajimi Benson has also facilitated the construction of the Ita-Oluwo/Isawo phase of the project which is ongoing.
Mr Oke, speaking with THE IMPACT enjoined leaders and stakeholders to use the political season when candidates are seeking political offices and their campaign teams will be visiting the communities to seek for their votes to demand for commitment towards the completion of the road.
“When the campaign begins and aspirants start visiting, our leaders should kindly request a commitment to create an alternative route outside Ikorodu, particularly the completion of the second phase of the Agric-Ishawo Road linking the Ibadan Express.
According to the concerned resident, the need for an alternative route is more than before pressing and the next government in the state must see it as a major concern requiring intervention.
“Ikorodu has a need for an alternative route, and it has become a pressing necessity. Residents spend an average of four hours of a productive day in traffic while commuting to Lagos. The influx of vehicles and commuters causes the traffic mainly.”
”We heard from the previous administration that an alternative route would be constructed linking Agric-Isawo Road and connecting Arepo to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The government commenced phase one, which was to end at Isawo, over a decade ago, but it has not been completed till now.
”I believe the project is not a priority for the current government,” he said.
Oke also added that such commitment from politicians seeking elective positions and needing the huge electoral values of Ikorodu should be documented for reference when the next government is fully constituted in 2027.
“What we should do as a division with our huge voting strength: this is election season; we should seize this opportunity to secure commitments from candidates regarding the road in exchange for our support. If possible, document it in writing and publish it in media outlets.”
While agreeing that the federal government can be approached through the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru and representative of Ikorodu federal constituency, Rep. Babajimi Benson, he stressed that it is easier and more strategic to engage the Lagos and Ogun State governments.
“The appeal for federal intervention is not out of place because the road will cross two states. However, that may not happen immediately. Lagos State government can decide to partner with the Ogun State government to repair the road. This has been done before; for example, the Ijebu-Poka-Epe Road was fixed by the Ogun State government and was tolled. Therefore, the state is in the best position to repair the road” Mr Oke Godwin Olaoluwa said.
