Residents of Unity Estate in Ido-Osun, Osun State, held a peaceful protest on Monday over the abandonment of a major road project in their community.
The demonstrators accused the contractor, Moshula Nigeria Limited, of deserting the site and executing substandard work.
The road project, which spans over two kilometres and begins at the entrance of Halleluyah Estate, was reportedly initiated under the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. Since the change in government, however, residents say no further progress has been made.
A signpost at the entrance of the road indicates that the contract was awarded during Oyetola’s tenure. Protesters claim that only about one kilometre of drainage and asphalt has been completed.
Within Unity Estate, only drainage systems have been constructed, some of which have already collapsed due to erosion—allegedly caused by poor-quality materials.
According to residents, the deteriorating road conditions have made it nearly impossible for vehicles to access parts of the estate, disrupting daily life and harming local businesses.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Government, come to our aid,” “Moshula has failed us,” and “Abandoned road, forgotten people,” protesters blocked the estate’s entrance and exit to draw attention to their plight.
Speaking with journalists, the chairman of the Community Development Association, Mr. Taofeek Shehu, accused the contractor of abandoning the project and delivering shoddy work.
“The project was awarded in 2022 under former Governor Oyetola. When Governor Ademola Adeleke took office, he directed the contractor to continue, but since then, no further work has been done,” Shehu said. “The little that was completed has already deteriorated. The drainage is collapsing, and the road is now an eyesore.”
He further explained that residents’ vehicles have suffered damages due to the poor road condition, and commercial activities have slowed down as motorcyclists avoid the area.
“We’re here today to urge the government to intervene and compel the contractor to return and complete the project,” he added.
Shehu also alleged that the contractor has refused to resume work, allegedly boasting that he is related to the governor by marriage.
“He must return and not only finish the job but also fix the poorly done sections. We are law-abiding citizens and deserve to benefit from the government’s development agenda,” he said.
Responding to the situation, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that the government is aware of the issue and has invited the contractor for a meeting.
