OUTCRY OVER ORE–OKITIPUPA ROAD AS ONDO GROUP SEEKS IBRAHIM JIMOH'S INTERVENTION

OUTCRY OVER ORE–OKITIPUPA ROAD AS ONDO GROUP SEEKS IBRAHIM JIMOH'S INTERVENTION

The Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative has issued an open letter to Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador (Sen.) Ibrahim Jimoh, CFR, PhD (Cantab), urging him to use his influence to engage Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on the urgent rehabilitation of the Ore–Okitipupa Road.

In the letter signed by the organisation's General Secretary, Omoyoloye Oloruntimilehin J., and Convener, Odonfin Oluwafemi Olusegun, the group described the road as one of the state's most critical economic corridors, saying its deteriorating condition has continued to impose severe hardship on commuters, transport operators, businesses and residents across Ondo South Senatorial District.

According to the organisation, it has written several open letters to the state government over the past six months, calling attention to the condition of the road, but said the situation has remained largely unchanged despite repeated appeals from stakeholders and youth groups.

The group stated that the road has become increasingly difficult to navigate, resulting in frequent vehicle breakdowns, rising maintenance costs and financial losses for commercial transport operators. It also noted that private motorists continue to face avoidable repair expenses due to the poor condition of the highway.

The organisation acknowledged reports that Ambassador Jimoh played an advocacy role in the inclusion of the Akure–Ore and Ore–Igbokoda dualisation projects in the national infrastructure plan, adding that while the long-term project is welcomed, immediate intervention is needed to make the existing road motorable pending the commencement of the larger project.

It further appealed to the ambassador to engage Governor Aiyedatiwa in facilitating urgent remedial work on the Ore–Okitipupa Road, stressing that residents should not continue to endure unsafe road conditions while awaiting the implementation of future infrastructure projects.

The letter also referenced unverified reports suggesting that the governor sometimes avoids the Ore–Okitipupa Road while travelling to his hometown by taking an alternative route through Irele. The organisation clarified that it had not independently confirmed the claim but argued that, if true, it would further highlight the seriousness of the road's condition.

Describing Ondo South as a major contributor to the state's economy through agriculture, commerce, natural resources and other economic activities, the group argued that the region deserves functional road infrastructure to support its development and economic productivity.

While acknowledging other infrastructure projects undertaken by the Aiyedatiwa administration, the organisation maintained that the rehabilitation of the Ore–Okitipupa Road should be treated as an urgent priority because of its strategic importance to the state.

The group said it was not seeking further assurances but practical action, urging Ambassador Jimoh to leverage his relationship with the governor to facilitate immediate repairs.

According to the organisation, the appeal is driven by concerns for public safety, economic development and the wellbeing of residents who depend on the road daily.

The Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative described itself as a registered civil society organisation with members across the state's 18 local government areas, comprising professionals, lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, former student leaders and other citizens committed to the development of Ondo State.