By Fresh Facts Magazine
Ayetoro, Ogun/Lagos Border – The people of Ayetoro, a strategic border community between Lagos and Ogun States accessible through Ayobo, are crying out in distress as deplorable road conditions have rendered the town and its neighbouring settlements virtually inaccessible. The situation has left thousands of residents stranded, businesses crippled, and essential services severely disrupted.
The once-busy link road that connects Ayetoro to Otta has deteriorated into an impassable, muddy stretch, riddled with deep gullies, stagnant floodwaters, and broken culverts. A journey that typically takes less than 10 minutes now drags on for over two agonizing hours — if not completely stalled by rainfall or vehicle breakdowns.
Residents lament that the road has been abandoned for years by both the Ogun and Lagos State governments, despite repeated appeals. With the worsening condition, Ayetoro and surrounding communities like Itele, Olambe, and parts of Ayobo are fast becoming ghost towns, with many relocating due to the unbearable stress of daily commuting.
“We are completely cut off from the rest of the world. Schools, businesses, and even emergency services are affected. It is as if no government exists for us,” said Mrs. Adeola Akinyemi, a local school teacher who treks over 5km daily to reach her place of work.
Mr. Taiwo Ogunlana, a commercial motorcyclist (okada rider), expressed frustration over the economic implications of the bad road:
“Our motorcycles break down every week. Passengers avoid the route because it is dangerous and time-consuming. I used to make ₦8,000 daily. Now I barely make ₦2,000.”
Fresh Facts gathered that transport fares have more than tripled due to the road condition, and commercial drivers now avoid the area altogether, further isolating the community.
“Even ambulances and security patrols find it difficult to access the area. If someone has a medical emergency, they are on their own,” said Dr. Festus Ilesanmi, a resident medical practitioner who also lamented the difficulty in getting medical supplies into the community.
Appeals to the local government authorities have allegedly fallen on deaf ears. According to residents, several petitions and letters sent to both the Ogun State and Lagos State Ministries of Works have received no response. Community leaders say they now feel abandoned and betrayed.
“We are at the mercy of nature. During the rainy season, we can’t go out; during the dry season, the dust is unbearable. We are Nigerians too. Is it until lives are lost that something will be done?” said Chief Ayo Adebambo, a community elder.
The road in question is not only crucial for daily commutes but also for interstate trade between Lagos and Ogun States. Many small-scale businesses rely on the smooth movement of goods between Ayetoro and major hubs in Otta and Ikeja. Traders say the collapse of the road has led to a rise in food prices and scarcity of goods.
In a desperate bid for attention, residents are calling on the Federal Government to intervene if both state governments fail to act.
“We voted for these people, but now that they are in office, they have forgotten us. Let the federal authorities declare a state of emergency on this road before it becomes a humanitarian crisis,” pleaded Mrs. Kemi Ogundele, a youth leader and market woman.
As of the time of filing this report, no government official has issued a formal response to the plight of Ayetoro residents. However, community leaders vow to continue pressing their demands through peaceful protests, media engagement, and legal action if necessary.
Fresh Facts Magazine calls on the Lagos State Government, Ogun State Government, and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to urgently deploy a joint intervention task force to inspect and rehabilitate the Ayetoro-Otta corridor. The suffering of the people has gone on for far too long.
