Residents of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, have voiced strong concerns over the worsening condition of internal roads across the city, describing the situation as dangerous and unbefitting of a state capital.
In separate complaints made on Saturday, many residents lamented that major roads and inner streets have deteriorated into stretches riddled with deep potholes, failed asphalt, poor drainage, and gully erosion, making daily movement hazardous for motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and business owners.
Many described the roads as “death traps” that endanger lives and damage vehicles. “I am deeply disappointed by the deplorable state of our roads. Potholes are everywhere—some so deep they pose serious risks and could cause fatal accidents,” one resident told Osun Defender.
Olaide Abimbola, another resident, highlighted some of the worst-hit routes: “From Ita-Olokan to Oke-Ayepe, Idi-Omo to Sabo, Kolabalogun to Testing Ground, Olaiya to Ogo-Oluwa, and Dele-Yes-Sir to Oke-Fia are all in terrible condition. It is an eyesore.”
The complaints come as the Osun-based civil society group, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), called on the state government to shift focus from politics to governance and prioritize infrastructure, employment, healthcare, and grassroots development. In its October 2026 State of the State address delivered by its Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, TOM highlighted the urgent need for road rehabilitation in Osogbo. The group cited failed sections and poor drainage along Dele-Yes-Sir and Oke-Fia roads, neglect and erosion around Olaiya flyover and Ogo-Oluwa, and major commercial routes such as the MDS, Oja-Oba, and Ilesa Garage network requiring immediate intervention.
“Palliative measures must go beyond cosmetic stone-filling to durable, comprehensive engineering solutions that can withstand the elements and serve our people sustainably,” TOM stated, urging the government to declare a state of emergency on Osogbo township roads. “The people of Osun voted for development, employment, security, and infrastructural transformation—not endless politicking,” Oyedokun-Alli emphasized.
Earlier, resident Oluwaseyi Peter appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently address both the deteriorating road conditions and environmental sanitation challenges in Osogbo. In a letter to the governor, Peter acknowledged the administration’s ongoing infrastructure efforts but urged intensified action. He identified key routes needing repair, including Aje Market through Dada Estate to Capital Area and Oke-Fia, Orita Olaiya through Ogo Oluwa to Owode Road, Oja Oba to Ita Olokan to Ayepe, Orita Ayetoro through Testing Ground to Powerline Junction, and the stretch from Lamaco Overhead Bridge through WOCDIF, Winners Junction, An-Nurudeen Grammar School, and Ayekale Road to Koko Area along Ikirun Road.
Peter also raised concerns about indiscriminate refuse dumping in residential, commercial, and market areas, noting that scattered refuse and poor evacuation systems create an unpleasant environment. He recommended declaring an environmental sanitation emergency, strengthening refuse evacuation, and deploying mobile waste collection trucks to scheduled locations daily.
During a visit on Monday, a PM NEWS Chief Correspondent reported that all access roads leading to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) from Olaiya, Orisumbare, and Old Garage were in similarly deplorable condition. The situation inside the hospital premises was no better. Residents and patients said they had endured months of hardship caused by the bad roads, with little attention from the state government.
Residents and civic groups continue to urge Governor Adeleke and relevant agencies to prioritize these issues, expressing hope that comprehensive action will improve infrastructure and living standards in Osogbo and across Osun State.
