Yaba Residents Petition Governor to Revive Abandoned Road and Market Projects in Ondo State

Residents of Yaba Community in Odode Idanre, Ondo State, have turned to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging him to intervene in several stalled development projects.

The community’s plea highlights a growing frustration over initiatives that were launched with high hopes but have remained incomplete, affecting daily life and economic activity.

The petition, jointly signed by Chief Adegoke Boluwaji (Head of Yaba Community), Fola Adeghate (General Chairman of the Yaba Administrative Committee), and Olagidi Akinyode (Secretary of the Yaba Market Development Committee), represents the collective concerns of the residents.

Projects Stalled Despite Billion-Naira Investment

Among the abandoned projects are the Odode–Bajare Road, Ojota-Ala Road, and the World Bank Market at Yaba/Ojotu.

According to the petition, these projects were flagged off by the governor in 2024 but have since stalled due to disagreements over contractor appointments.

The residents lament that:

• The Odode–Bajare and Ojota-Ala roads are now largely impassable, making transport of people and goods difficult.
• The market project, intended to boost trade and local commerce, has been halted because of unresolved contractor disputes.

“Currently, the community’s hope for development and improved livelihoods has been dashed. This situation is unacceptable, especially for a World Bank-funded initiative entrusted to the Ondo State Government,” the petition reads.

Contractor Disputes Halt Progress

The residents detailed how the market project initially began with site mobilisation and block-moulding activities.

However, a conflict arose when a competing contractor attempted to take over, leading to a complete halt in construction.

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Full-scale construction, originally scheduled for February 2024, has yet to resume.

The stalled projects, residents say, were meant to enhance rural mobility, facilitate trade, and unlock economic opportunities.

The delays have undermined public confidence and hindered the welfare of thousands of community members.

Residents Call for Immediate Action

In their petition, the residents asked Governor Aiyedatiwa to:

• Visit the project sites to personally assess the state of abandonment.
• Resolve the contractor dispute and reinstate the rightful contractor.
• Re-mobilise construction teams to complete the road and market projects.
• Establish a monitoring committee to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the completion process.

“We remain hopeful that your intervention will restore progress and dignity to our community,” the petition concludes.

Government Response

Responding to the petition, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Mr Allen Sowore, assured that the matter would be brought to the governor’s attention.

“The governor has consistently assured that no project in the state will be abandoned, and this situation will not be an exception.

All attendant challenges will be promptly addressed,” Sowore said, urging residents to remain confident in state leadership.

Impact and Consequences

• Continued delays threaten local trade and disrupt daily transport.
• Community trust in government-led development projects is undermined.
• Stalled World Bank-funded initiatives could jeopardise future funding opportunities.
• Unresolved contractor disputes could set a precedent for other abandoned projects in the state.

What’s Next?

Governor Aiyedatiwa is expected to personally review the Yaba projects and intervene to resolve contractor disputes.

Affected construction teams may be remobilised, and oversight committees could be established to prevent future delays.

Residents await a timetable for completion that restores functionality to the roads and market.

Summary

Yaba Community residents have formally appealed to the Ondo State Governor to salvage billion-naira projects that have been stalled due to contractor conflicts.

The appeal highlights the impact of abandoned infrastructure on local trade, mobility, and public confidence.

With government assurance that the issue will be addressed, the community looks forward to renewed progress and restored livelihoods.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Yaba Community petitions Governor Aiyedatiwa over stalled billion-naira projects.
• Abandoned projects include Odode–Bajare Road, Ojota-Ala Road, and the World Bank Market.
• Contractor disputes are cited as the main reason for delays.
• Residents call for site visits, resolution of disputes, and remobilisation of construction teams.
• Government assures prompt attention and resolution to prevent project abandonment.
• Completion of projects is crucial for trade, mobility, and economic development in the community.