A Lagos-based constitutional lawyer and development advocate, Jide Ologun, has commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his swift response to the deteriorating Iwaro-Oka road in Oka-Akoko, Akoko South West council area in Ondo.

The Ondo government immediately began remedial intervention on the damaged portion of the road following outcries from the youth and traditional institutions.

Mr Ologun said in a statement on Tuesday that the governor’s intervention demonstrated responsive governance and concern for residents’ welfare and safety.

He said the prompt directive to the commissioner for infrastructure, lands and housing, Abiola Olawoye, to inspect the road and commence remedial works was commendable.

“I am very proud of the commendable response by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the relevant stakeholders to the concerns raised over the deplorable condition of the Oke-Oka-Iwaro road,” he said.

Mr Ologun said the response showed that government could act swiftly when citizens raised genuine concerns about issues affecting their communities.

He also commended the Oka Youth Forum and other stakeholders for drawing attention to the road’s dangerous condition through peaceful and constructive engagement.

“The Oka Youth Forum deserves commendation for bringing this matter to public attention and seeking intervention before the situation became a major disaster,” he said.

He said the reported erosion and damage to the road raised serious concerns about movement, commerce, access to schools and healthcare facilities, and emergency response.

“This is the kind of engagement that should strengthen the relationship between government and the people because citizens have a responsibility to draw attention to issues affecting their communities,” Mr Ologun said.

He urged Mr Aiyedatiwa to sustain the responsive approach and extend similar attention to other pressing challenges confronting residents across Ondo.

“I appeal to the governor to give similar attention to other challenges facing the people of Ondo state, particularly those requiring urgent government intervention,” he said.

According to him, timely intervention in critical infrastructure and other areas of public concern will strengthen public confidence in government.

Mr Ologun also urged residents to continue supporting government efforts while constructively highlighting areas requiring attention.

“The people should continue to engage government responsibly, while government should remain accessible and responsive to legitimate concerns,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the intervention would restore the affected portion of the road and prevent further deterioration.

Mr Ologun said the development should serve as an example of what could be achieved when citizens, community groups and government authorities work together to address public concerns.

“We must continue to encourage responsive governance and ensure that genuine concerns raised by the people receive appropriate and timely attention,” he said.

The Oke-Oka-Iwaro Road is an important link connecting communities in the area and facilitating the movement of people, vehicles, agricultural produce and goods.

The road also provides access to schools and healthcare facilities, while supporting commercial activities, security operations and emergency response.

(NAN)