Residents of Yaba Community in Odode Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene in the revival of abandoned infrastructure projects in the area.
The projects, executed under the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing initiative, were reportedly flagged off in 2024 but later stalled due to disputes over contract ownership.
In a petition jointly signed by community leaders, including Chief Adegoke Boluwaji, Elder Fola Adeghate, and Olagidi Akinyode, residents expressed concern over the abandonment of key projects such as the Odode-Bajare Road, Ojota-Ala Road, and the World Bank Market at Yaba/Ojotu.
They noted that the deteriorating state of the roads has made them impassable, severely affecting the movement of people and goods, while the stalled market project has disrupted economic activities and livelihoods.
According to the petition, construction initially commenced smoothly, but was halted after another group reportedly laid claim to the contract, forcing the original contractor off-site. This dispute, they said, led to the complete abandonment of the market project despite earlier progress.
The residents stressed that the projects were designed to improve rural mobility, boost trade, and unlock economic opportunities, adding that their abandonment has undermined public confidence and community development.
They urged the governor to personally inspect the sites, resolve the contractor dispute, and ensure that work resumes immediately. They also called for the re-mobilisation of construction teams and the establishment of a monitoring committee to guarantee transparency and accountability.
Responding to the concerns, the governor’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Allen Sowore, assured that the matter would be brought to the governor’s attention. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no project in the state is left abandoned and promised prompt action to address the situation.
