Less than 24 hours after a bold pronouncement by popular clergy Samson Oluwamodede regarding the perilous state of the Oke Aro/Idanre road, the once-treacherous route has received a temporary facelift, making it significantly safer for commuters. This sudden action, however, has sparked criticism directed at Governor Aiyedatiwa and his aides for their delayed response.
Residents of Ondo State expressed their relief at the road’s improvement but were quick to blame the governor for waiting until a renowned prophet raised the alarm before addressing the issue. Oluwamodede, the General Overseer of the Prayer Centre of God Worldwide, had vowed in a viral video to personally fix the road if the governor failed to intervene, citing the loss of lives due to its deteriorating condition.
“Aiyedatiwa should be more responsive to the yearnings and cries of the people he is governing,” said Bosun Adubiaro, a civil servant residing in the Adofure area. He criticized the administration for its apparent complacency, stating, “The docility of the Aiyedatiwa administration is getting worrisome day by day. We have been raising our voices about this particular road, but our cries were met with silence.”
Adubiaro pointedly remarked, “It took Prophet Samson Oluwamodede to speak before something could be done.” He further lambasted the governor’s aides, who had initially attacked the prophet, suggesting they should “bury their heads in shame” now that their principal ordered the road’s temporary repair.
Another resident, Tolani Olarewaju, a trader at Afunbiowo Estate, also weighed in, criticizing the Senior Special Assistant to Aiyedatiwa on Strategic Communication, Allen Sowore. She condemned his stance on complaints regarding the road, calling it a display of “sycophancy.”
“Those around Aiyedatiwa have this irritating mindset that no one must complain about anything, particularly when it involves the governor,” she stated. “Even Allen Sowore, the younger brother of Omoyele Sowore, who is notorious for criticizing the government, wants us to shut up, which is not possible.”
In response to the avalanche of criticism regarding the road’s condition, Sowore described the situation as disheartening, remarking, “Rome was not built in a day.” However, many residents feel that waiting for the government to act until prompted by public outcry is unacceptable, especially when lives are at stake.
As the situation unfolds, the residents remain watchful, demanding more proactive governance and immediate attention to the pressing issues affecting their safety and well-being.
