The Arole Oodua and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has lamented about the state of roads in the ancient town.
The monarch wondered who the town offended to warrant the total neglect of Ile-Ife roads.
According to the monarch, “the town has never had it this bad”.
The Ooni asserted this in a statement issued by his media aide, Moses Olafere, on Sunday during the commissioning of a 700 meters road at the popular Odo-Ogbe market (Oja Tuntun), Ile-Ife.
The road was facilitated by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legislative matters, Senator Babajide Omoworare who is an indigene of Ife.
Oba Ogunwusi lamented the abandonment of roads by both the state of Osun and the federal government, thereby making the movement of goods and persons difficult in and out of the town.
According to the statement, “I do not know our offense in Ife to deserve the poor road network that surrounds us.
“It is not enough to call Ife the source, this city deserves to be treated as the true source of humanity that it is.
“It is so bad that the same government that has refused to fix our roads is the one denying us access to do what we can ourselves. All we hear is that it is a government road so we have to keep waiting.
“We are aware that the government cannot do it alone so we want them to put up a scheme, like a form of concession on all major roads in Ife. We would look for able personalities within the community, they will fix the road and they will give them task credit. It is the same.
“Let the government give us that opportunity and see whether we will perform, we can now replicate it in other communities across the country.
“We are willing and able to do that on all major roads in Ife, all we need is a form of concessioning that regard,” the Ooni added.
On the Odo-Ogbe market road facilitated by the President’s aide, Ooni Ogunwusi described the politician as a committed Ife son, urging his political contemporaries to emulate the good traits and shun unhealthy rivalry.
In his remarks, Senator Omoworare reassured the Ooni and everyone present of the government’s support towards the development of the ancient city.
“I wish to authoritatively confirm to you that in the newly presented Budget by President Muhammadu Buhari, major projects especially road works will be done in Ife. I know of the Mayfair, Lagere, Imo, and Moore roads among others.
“Also, the proposed mini stadium in Erefe, Ile-Ife would be completed within the next six months while the much-talked-about Naval Communication School would be completed soon in Ife.
“These and more are our lofty plans for Ife, all we need is prayers and support from all”.
