Residents of Adeogun community are raising alarm over the deteriorating state of the Laniba–Lagbeja road, describing it as a security risk and a barrier to development. The road, which serves over 52 communities and villages, has remained partially abandoned despite years of construction and repeated appeals to the government.
Alhaji Owolabi Akanji, Chairman of Adeogun community, told DAILY POST that the road’s abandoned section has become a hotspot for criminal activity. “The road serves over 52 communities and villages… the abandoned section is about four kilometres from Laniba to Lagbeja. The road is bad and it is posing security risks for the people,” he said.
The road’s construction dates back to post-flood recovery efforts in 2011, when former Governor Ajimobi initiated the building of alternative routes after the collapse of Apete Bridge. The project extended from Ajibode to Laniba and then from Akingbile to Lagbeja. In 2019, under Governor Makinde, partial drainage work was completed on one side, but the other side remains abandoned.
Residents said repeated appeals to the government have yielded no results, forcing communities to resort to self-help. “Several appeals have been made… we task ourselves and contribute money to get some materials and fill potholes,” Akanji said. He added that the poor road has led some landlords to abandon their properties, slowing local development.
Mr. Ayobami Iyanda, a resident of Falao community, emphasized the worsening condition of the road. “The roads are getting worse day by day… we are about 50 communities grading some portion ourselves. The road was re-awarded around 2022, but it has since been abandoned, opening it to erosion and criminal activity,” he said.
Another resident, Mr. Alabi from Lagbeja, noted that the road’s poor condition is making it increasingly difficult for residents to access neighboring communities. “We are suffering in this community because of the bad condition of the road,” he said.
Residents are now urging the state government to urgently complete the project before the end of Governor Makinde’s tenure to restore mobility, security, and development to the region.
