Oyo APC Chieftain, Oluokun, Knocks Makinde over Poor Rural Roads, Demands LG Financial Autonomy
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Elder David Oluokun, has criticised the condition of rural and interior roads across the state’s 33 local government areas, calling on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently address the deteriorating infrastructure.
Oluokun, in a statement titled *“Interior Roads Across 33 LGs Become Death Traps under Watch of Governor Makinde with Improved Allocations,”* expressed concern over what he described as the deplorable state of roads connecting rural communities, markets, farms and schools across the state.
He lamented that several roads linking communities in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun and Iseyin had become difficult to navigate, citing potholes, damaged bridges, abandoned culverts and other infrastructure challenges.
According to him, the situation poses serious difficulties for farmers, traders, students and motorists who depend on the roads for their daily activities.
The APC chieftain questioned why rural infrastructure remained in poor condition despite what he described as improved federal allocations to the state, increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and available local government funds.
He particularly challenged the state government to explain how available financial resources were being utilised, arguing that the condition of rural roads raised questions about the prioritisation of grassroots infrastructure development.
Oluokun also raised concerns about the financial autonomy and operational capacity of local government councils, alleging that council chairmen had been deprived of the independence required to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
He maintained that local governments should have the capacity to undertake basic developmental projects, including rural road maintenance, drainage clearance, market improvement and the provision of essential amenities.
According to him, the centralisation of local government funds has weakened grassroots administration, leaving council chairmen dependent on the state government rather than enabling them to respond directly to the needs of their communities.
“Local governments were created to bring development to the grassroots — to grade rural roads, clear drainages, maintain markets and provide basic amenities. But today, our chairmen cannot act because they have no control over funds meant for the local governments,” he alleged.
Oluokun further questioned the emphasis on major road projects, insisting that infrastructure development should also prioritise rural communities whose economic activities depend heavily on accessible roads.
He noted that farmers in Saki, traders in Eruwa, students in Kisi and residents of Fiditi should enjoy safe and accessible roads that would ease transportation and improve their livelihoods.
“Leadership is not about commissioning a few roads in Ibadan for cameras and social media. Leadership is about ensuring that a farmer in Saki, a trader in Eruwa, a student in Kisi and a mother in Fiditi can move freely and safely on a good road,” he stated.
He consequently urged Governor Makinde to prioritise the rehabilitation of rural and interior roads across the 33 local government areas and allow council chairmen greater financial and administrative independence to execute projects at the grassroots.
Oluokun stressed that functional rural roads were essential to economic activities, educational access, agricultural productivity and the general well-being of residents.
He added that the people of Oyo State expected improved infrastructure delivery and greater accountability in the utilisation of public resources, warning that residents would continue to demand explanations from their elected representatives.
