Motorists and commuters plying the Suru–Alaba–Orile corridor will soon heave a sigh of relief following the intervention of the Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in rehabilitating the previously collapsed section of the road.
Members of the 6th Legislative House of the Council, led by the Leader, Hon. Ilesanmi Elijah Oluwatosin, visited the project site to assess the level of work and commend the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dr. Mayor Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, for fulfilling his commitment to address the deplorable condition of the road.
Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Ilesanmi explained that the councilors had earlier conducted an oversight visit to the area about two months ago after complaints from residents and road users.
“This is part of our oversight function. We were here about two months ago when our attention was drawn to the dilapidated state of the road. We consulted stakeholders and reported to the Executive Chairman, who promised prompt intervention. Today, we are delighted to witness that promise fulfilled; promise made, promise kept,” he said.
He noted that all seven councilors of the 6th Legislative House were present to verify the ongoing work and commend the Chairman’s responsiveness to the needs of the people, describing him as “a listening and proactive leader.”
Also speaking, the Deputy Leader of the House and Councilor representing Ward G, Hon. Sarumi Adekola Jide, praised the quality and speed of the intervention.
“Two months ago, we submitted our report on this road, and today we are here to appreciate the Chairman for responding appropriately. This is a good job, and we believe this marks the beginning of more developmental strides in Ifelodun,” he said.
Chairman, House Committee on Works and Infrastructure and Chief Whip representing Ward C, Hon. Adeola Wasiu Adebayo, said the legislative arm had earlier passed a resolution urging the Chairman to act on the deplorable road.
“As part of our legislative duty, we raised the issue within the chamber and reached out to the Chairman. We thank him for his swift and decisive response. We are confident the road will soon be fully motorable,” he stated.
On environmental concerns, Hon. Ajibola Yusuf Ishola, Councilor representing Ward D and Chairman, House Committee on Health and Environment, commended both the legislative council leadership and market stakeholders for improving sanitation around the area.
He disclosed that the councilors had earlier summoned market leaders, including the Babaloja and Iyaloja, alongside officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), to address indiscriminate waste disposal that contributed to the road damage.
“We are glad compliance has improved. The environment is tidier, and evacuation efforts are ongoing. The Chairman mobilised both material and human resources for this intervention, and the results are visible,” he said.
On her own, the Majority Leader of the 6th Legislative House and Councilor representing Ward E, Hon. Adebayo Blessing Alaba, also commended the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA, Hon. Dr. Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, describing him as a tested and proactive administrator whose performance reflects effective leadership at the grassroots.
Hon. Blessing noted that visible progress at the Suru–Alaba–Orile road site demonstrates government presence and responsiveness to public needs.
“Anyone who visited this location last week and returns today will acknowledge that there is indeed a functioning government in Ifelodun. The intervention shows accountability to the people’s mandate,” she said.
She added that, as the voice of the Legislative House, the council remains confident that the Chairman will continue to deliver more developmental projects for residents of the LCDA
Councilor representing Ward A, Hon. Safiu Taoreed Aderemi, described the project as a testament to responsive governance, congratulating residents and road users on the development.
Similarly, Hon. Ajijola Ojora-Adejinyan of Ward B, where the affected road is located, expressed satisfaction that the complaints of constituents received prompt government attention, noting that the intervention reflects the presence of active governance in Ifelodun.
Market leaders also lauded the council’s efforts. Iyaloja of Jubilee Market, Alhaja Ashiata Quadri, recounted the challenges traders faced due to the road collapse and poor waste disposal, while pledging that traders would maintain cleanliness around the rehabilitated area.
“We appreciate the Chairman for this intervention and promise to ensure proper waste management to sustain the project,” she said.
In his remarks, Babaloja of Alaba Phase 3, Alhaji Alade Adewole, said the road’s previous condition negatively affected commercial activities and market patronage.
“Customers avoided the area because of the bad road, but since rehabilitation began, confidence is returning. We thank the Council for remembering us,” he said.
Head of Department, Environment, Ifelodun LCDA, Mr. Ajanaku Kolawole, assured residents that work would be completed within days. He explained that the project involves primary drainage, ordinarily a state government responsibility, but said the LCDA intervened due to the urgency and impact on residents and businesses.
He added that the rehabilitation would improve traffic flow, environmental sanitation, and the overall image of the council area.
