Soun of Ogbomosoland Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III has sent condolences to the families whose relatives died in a fatal accident that happened in Ogbomoso, Oyo state earlier today, saying it was a grievous occurrence.
The Soun consequently appealed to the Federal Government to facilitate the completion of the Ogbomoso – Oyo section of the new Ibadan – Ilorin dual carriage highway, which has been under construction since 2001.
Recall the shudder-provoking accident occurred on Tuesday morning when an articulated vehicle carrying container coming from the direction of Ibadan lost control as it navigated the Round-About causing the container to fall on a tricycle (Keke Marwa), leading to loss of two lives, according to report.
In the condolence message signed by his special assistant on media and community relations, Rev’d Peter Olaleye, the monarch stated, “The occurrence today, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, came as a shock, and as an individual, l am overwhelmed with sadness. It is a black day. My heart goes to the families whose relatives passed away in the accident. It is my prayer that God will uphold them and console them.”
Continuing, the paramount ruler submitted, “Meanwhile, I use this solemn occasion to call on the Federal Government to expedite action on the completion of the Ogbomoso – Oyo section of the new Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin dual carriageway. It is saddening that since 2001, the road is yet to be completed.
If such a road is completed, heavy duty vehicles will be diverted from the present city centre, where traffic is usually heavy albeit on a single lane. Most of these articulated vehicles transporting goods between southwestern and northern parts of the country will be able to travel without endangering lives in the metropolis.
“Many lives have been avoidably lost on the road because of the large volume of articulated vehicles crawling every minute on it, and because of the poor state of the old road, accidents, fatal ones often occur. We are however happy that that is currently being repaired for which I express gratitude to President Bola Tinubu.
“But there will be less danger if the new expressway is completed as a matter of urgency. It remains just about 5 to 7 kilometres, ironically, in the Ogbomoso axis. If this can be completed we will eternally be grateful to President Tinubu.
“Another panacea is dualizing the trunk A road through Ogbomoso, this will give room for more maneuver of vehicles and cut down the number of accidents. This will be better if an overhead bridge is constructed at the Takie Round-About, as it will ease traffic burden usually experienced at the massive junction.”
Also, the Oba urged motorists and cyclists to be more cautious on the road, “We should drive and ride safely, it is my prayer such a devastating occurrence will not reoccur in our communities.”
