- Safiu Kehinde
The Taawunu Human Rights Initiative (THURST) has called out President Bola Tinubu and Osun lawmakers at the National Assembly, on the Gbongan–Iwo–Oyo federal road abandoned for 20 years.
THRUST disclosed that the road which was described as a critical national route that has remained incomplete for over two decades.
As contained in a statement issued on Friday by its Director-General, Sulaymon Tadese, the group noted that the dualised federal highway had over time become a burden to residents following repeated delays, political neglect, and alleged frustration of the road project by a religious organisation were against the road dualisation.
“Despite being approved as a dualised federal highway, the project has suffered repeated delays, political neglect, and alleged interference from a religious organisation that opposed its dualisation.
“Today, the road stands as a daily reminder of government’s inaction, posing dangers to commuters and crippling economic developments across Osun and Oyo states.
“The road has become increasingly hazardous, with residents reporting frequent accidents due to potholes and failed portions, heavy traffic congestion, damage to vehicles and rising transportation costs, reduced access to markets, schools, and hospitals, and slowed economic activity across communities depending on the corridor.
“This hardship has persisted despite the road being a federal responsibility.” The statement partly read.
THURIST demanded accountability from elected officials whose constituencies are directly affected by the abandoned project.
As highlighted in the statement, the lawmakers include Hon. Lukman Mudasiru – House of Representatives, Iwo/Ayedire/Ola-Oluwa; Senator Lere Oyewumi – Osun West Senatorial District; Hon. Akeem Adeyemi – House of Representatives, Afijio/Oyo East/Oyo West/Atiba.
The group also listed the former House of Representative member Ayo Omidiran, who is the current Chairman of the Federal Character Commission.
While reiterating the hardship the abandoned road had thrown Iwo people into, the organisation called on Tinubu and the Ministry of Works to revisit the road project, describing its neglect as injustice.
“The people of Iwo and the entire axis have suffered greatly. A federal road cannot remain abandoned for over 20 years. This is beyond neglect — it is injustice.
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“We call on President Tinubu to break this cycle of abandonment and give this project the urgent attention it deserves. Our elected representatives must come out of hiding.
“Leadership is not by title, it is by action. The people need answers. The people need representation. And the people need results.
“THURIST urgently appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works, Osun and Oyo State Governments, the National Assembly Committee on Works to revive and complete the dualisation project without further delay.” the group wrote.
THURIST held that the federal government must take responsibility of the road which had seen increased cases of deaths and injuries.
“This road is a federal asset, not a community project. The federal government must take responsibility.
“Everyday of delay increases the risk of more deaths, more injuries, and more economic hardship along this corridor, The Gbongan–Iwo–Oyo road was originally planned for dualisation over 20 years ago.
“Since then, contractors have appeared and disappeared. Equipment have moved in and out and communities have endured decades of unfulfilled promises.
“THURIST maintains that no religious institution or private organisation should wield the power to delay or obstruct a federal infrastructure project meant for public safety and national development.” THURIST wrote.
They thereafter highlighted their demands which include bringing contractors back to the project, full restoration of the dualisation plan as originally approved, and public disclosure of funds allocated to the project amongst others.
“The organisation stands firm on the following demands: immediate return of contractors to site; full restoration of the dualisation plan as originally approved; public disclosure of all funds allocated to this project over the years.
“Update from elected representatives on their interventions; a clear completion timeline from the Federal Ministry of Works.” the statement added.