By David Oluokun
Governor Makinde, why the rural and inner roads across all the 33 local governments of Oyo State are in such a terrible condition and state despair?
From Ibadan to Ogbomoso, from Oyo to Ibarapa, from Oke-Ogun zone II to Iseyin, the story is the same — huge potholes, broken bridges, abandoned culverts, and roads that have become death traps for farmers, traders, students and motorists.
These are not federal highways. These are the rural and interior roads that connect our villages to our markets, our farms to our towns, and our children to their schools. Today, they are impassable.
Yet, Oyo State receives huge monthly federal allocation. Oyo State boasts of increased Internally Generated Revenue. Oyo State also controls local government funds.
So the question must be asked: Where is the federal allocation going?
Why, despite all this allocations, do our local roads remain in this deplorable state? Why, after more than seven years in office, can a governor who claimed to be a champion of infrastructure and wants to reset Nigeria not fix the roads in the villages that feed the state?
Even more disturbing is the condition of our local government chairmen. They have been rendered docile, helpless, and unable to perform their primary responsibilities.
Local Governments were created to bring development to the grassroots — to grade rural roads, clear drainages, maintain markets, and provide basic amenities. But today, our chairmen cannot act because they have no control over funds meant for the local governments.
When local government funds are cornered and centralised, the chairmen become mere errand boys in Agodi, waiting for handouts instead of serving the people at the grassroots. The result is what we see today; total collapse of rural infrastructure.
Governor Makinde, the people are asking: If the financial resources is there, why are our roads not fixed?
If the allocation is huge, why are our farmers carrying their produce on their heads?
If the IGR is booming, why are our children trekking through mud to schools?
Leadership is not about commissioning a few roads in Ibadan for cameras and social media. Leadership is about ensuring that a farmer in Saki, a trader in Eruwa, a student in Kisi, and a mother in Fiditi can move freely and safely on a good road.
Oyo State deserves better. Our rural people deserve better. Our 33 local governments deserve roads that work.
Mr. Governor, fix our rural roads. Free our local governments. Let the chairmen work.
The people are watching, and they will speak with their votes.
