The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Lekan Balogun, has commended the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, following the commencement of rehabilitation work on the roads leading to the Alarere residence of the monarch.
The Olubadan, who spoke in a statement signed by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, said the rehabilitation of the roads would in no small way gladden the hearts of Alarere residents, who had waited expectantly for the development the moment it became apparent that he would be installed as the new Olubadan.
It was gathered that the contractor handling the project moved to the site last week Tuesday and began with the digging of drainages to the joy and admiration of the residents
He noted: “It is a great honour to me in the community, because, my neighbours had been looking unto me for succour as far as the condition of the road is concerned and one can imagine how happy they would be. More importantly, Ibadan is very grateful to the governor for the honour too because whatever is done to me, by implication is an honour to Ibadanland.”
The Monarch charged the contractor handling the project to ensure a thorough and durable job
According to him, it is the sustainability of the roads that would justify the fund being expended by the government and implant the name of the governor on the minds of the people for a very long time as the governor that addressed a critical community problem.
The Chairman of Alarere Landlords and Landladies Association, Yusuf Gbolagade, who spoke on behalf of the residents, praised the governor for remembering the residents
“When the roads seemed not being attended to, there were a lot of things being said that were not complimentary to the government.
“Though some of us didn’t share some of those views, nevertheless, we are very happy now that the story is changing. Those of us, who knew and still know the relationship existing between our revered Olubadan and Governor Makinde was convinced that at the appropriate time, which is now, the roads would receive government attention,” he stated.
Gbolagade recalled that the last time the roads were rehabilitated was during the administration of the late Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, but remarked that the job was not properly done which led to the almost total collapse state of the roads a few years later, asking the contractor handling the current work to ensure quality and durable job.
The chairman advised the contractor to liaise with the residents so they could point to the contractor some specific areas of the roads that should be given special attention because the residents know certain spots on the roads that are very problematic and which if not properly noted and catered to could easily cause damage to the roads within a short period of time.
PIAK
