Otunba Gbenga Daniels is a man of many parts. The amiable Executive Governor of Ogun State is a man who has climbed to the commanding heights of the private and public sectors of our economic and political landscape. Otunba Daniels (or OGD as he is popularly known) is also widely travelled with cosmopolitan tastes and views.

These qualities make it all the more difficult for one to understand the continued indifference of his government to the plight and sufferings of Ogun State citizens in the Akute Lambe axis of Ogun State. In fact, the inhabitants of Akute, Ajuwon, Lambe, Denro, and Alagbole areas of Ifo Local Government of Ogun State could be excused for believing they are not on the OGD government's agenda at all.

President Abraham Lincoln said, “The legitimate purpose of government is to do for a community of people, that which they cannot do so well for themselves.” (http://www.federalrepublic.net/?p=8/) If that is true, then to Akute residents the two tiered government in Ogun State can be best described as 'missing in action'.

Akute and its satellite communities has become arguably the fastest developing township within the Ifo LGA and possibly within Ogun State. This may be due to its proximity to Lagos metropolis. The population of Akute itself is placed conservatively at about 433, 417 (http://www.fallingrain.com/world/NI/16/AkuteOja.html). With its outlying townships, the population of the area would be in the neighbourhood of 1 million. Some reports posit over 1.5 million. Most of these work in Lagos State to which they commute daily in search of sustenance.

Four major roads connect Akute to other communities, these are the Akute/Alagbole; Akute/Denro; Akute/Agege and Akute/Agbado Station Roads, but only one of them can be described as 'good'. This is the Akute/Alagbole Road, which also carries the largest volume of traffic. Due to the impassibility of the other roads, this road carries an inordinate volume of traffic daily; resulting in traffic snarls that last from as early as 5.30 to 10.00 am daily. Commuters are not spared in the evenings as the snarl spills over from Omolara and Oja junctions, to Saabo, Ojodu, as far as Grammar School, Road Safety Junctions on the Ojodu-Ogba Road. Often, these have resulted in absolute standstills for hours on end.

A neighbour, a senior banker working in the Island informed me recently that he now shuttles out of Akute in the mornings by Okada to Ojodu-Berger and Lagos Island via the popular BRT. This is a landlord with official and personal cars. Another female colleague of over 15 years standing at the Bar (also a landlord), was also compelled to jettison her car in favour of public transport to avoid the stress of spending an average of six hours daily covering a distance of about three kilometres. Many Island workers narrate how they leave their Lambe, Akute or Ajuwon homes by 4-4.30a.m to ensure they get to their places of work before 8.am.

The situation is a disaster waiting to happen. With no alternative means of transport, any emergency in the area during these peak periods will be tragic to say the least. Only God knows how many lives have been unnecessarily wasted by the inability to access rapidly healthcare or other emergency support services in crisis situations. For example, on Monday 20th October 2008, a domestic Gas filling station located at Ajayi Farms Bus stop, along the Akute/Alagbole Road caught fire in the early hours of the day. The attendant explosion destroyed a building behind the station and damaged several neighbouring properties. Concerned neighbours called the Ogun and Lagos emergency services. Only the Lagos services responded. However, the traffic jam on the narrow Odozie/Yakoyo road delayed their arrival by several hours.

They were still battling the flames by 12 pm when this writer arrived at the scene. Lagos State Fire Service trucks, LASG Ambulances, LASEMA vehicles and officials as well as FRSC officials were conspicuously on site directing traffic and trying to contain the disaster. I did not see any Ogun State Government presence over four hours after the explosion. The question is: how emergency and relief services would get to this area if there was a natural disaster, without viable alternative routes or means of traffic control.

The Ogun State government made half hearted efforts to renovate the Akute/Ajuwon Roads as well as the Alagbole/Akute/Ijoko Roads. However, they strangely left a great gully at Akute/Ajuwon/ Akute-Odo/Ijoko Rd Cross Junction which creates terrific traffic snarls that can take one hour to navigate. Despite the community efforts at sand filling this junction, the torrential downpours from the feeder roads often make mincemeat of such efforts. It beats the imagination why a caring Government would in these ways continue to inflict by neglect or omission the very people they swore to serve. 

Apart from these, are other geographical eyesores along Ajuwon/Agege Road, especially the bridge in front of the Grail Centre, Iju. The Ijoko/Agbado Station Roads and its connecting Bridge is another unspeakable disaster waiting to happen. However, the Akute/Denro Road leading to Ojodu/Berger in Lagos State is the worst.

I recall sometime in 2003, an Engineer acquaintance was commissioned by the Denro 'omo oniles' (indigenous land settlers) to help them build a small access bridge to connect the island to Ojodu/Adigboluja communities. Denro at the time was accessible only via canoe to either the Ojodu or Akute/Ishasi communities. Due to rapid migratory developments, the omo oniles wanted a bridge to enable them sell the community land to interested buyers. The engineer’s company handled the construction and was paid in kind by the community.

The bridge was the primary means of access for landowners/residents until the State Government reconstructed the Bridge in 2007. That road soon became the preferred route for Akute inhabitants as it cut off the narrow Odozie/Alagbole road with its intractable traffic jams. It further reduced pressure on the Alagbole route as it provided commuters a viable alternative. However, the bridge did not take into account the flooding of the Ogun River Basin that often attends the rains. Hence during the rains, the river overflows the bridge and renders it impassable to vehicles.

The state government's take-over of the Ishasi/Akute road from the initial community effort was therefore greeted with signs of relief. Unfortunately, even this salutary effort was soon overtaken by the usual Public sector duplicity. The initial Denro/Ojodu Bridge was dismantled and a new bridge commissioned. According to newspaper reports:

The six-month old Denro Road is now an eye-sore with gullies, pot holes, truncated and interlocking pores. The bridge has been left fallow while commuters now wallow in pain. A journey of 15 minutes now takes two hours. Motorists who cannot pass through the stress of traffic along Akute/Alagbole now dare the devil at Denro. Their cars are pushed over planks put together by some “Area Boys” at a token because the river had submerged the culvert at Denro. At times, motorists can’t pass through the place, especially during the rain. (Akute: Where People live in Agony; The Sunday Tribune of 7th September 2008; http://www.tribune.com.ng/07092008/features.html)

At the time of writing, the bridge is impassable as even the planks are now reserved for pedestrians who are unwilling to cross by canoe. More disturbing is the fact that the re-construction of the bridge has been undertaken twice to my knowledge in the last one year. Each time, the construction appeared to have been by direct labour. Even to my untrained eye, it was obvious that no attempt was made to test the topography of the waterbed. No pillars were constructed on either side of the so called bridge. An observer commented that it appeared the 'engineer' thought he was laying the decking for a storied building.

Unconfirmed reports allege that the owner of two of the highbrow buildings on Denro Hill is the contractor who handled the road and bridge. The speed, diligence and quality of the construction belie the shoddy treatment of the public road and bridge. Despite several print and broadcast media reports and coverage of these allegations, there has been generally loud silence and inaction from the Public agencies directly concerned.

Of greater concern to this writer are unconfirmed but widespread reports that the Lagos State Government's offer to dualise the Odozie/Sabo border roads to alleviate the traffic congestions on this axis was rebuffed by the OGD government. I also learnt recently from a credible source that an individual offered to finance the re-construction of the Denro Bridge utilising the services of Julius Berger and was also rebuffed.

Is it true that the OGD government considers Akute inhabitants as Amosu sympathisers who voted against PDP in the last elections? However, these same bloc votes helped OGD himself in 2003 against Segun Osoba. Unfulfilled electoral promises may be responsible for the electoral volte face witnessed in 2007. A thinking Governor should not require a plethora of thinking caps to realise that only performance can satisfy such enlightened electorate.

Does OGD consider Akute residents Lagos State tax payers and therefore unworthy of his government’s consideration? Are these the reasons why Akute has become an abandoned district, without the basic infrastructures? No water? No power? No serviceable roads?

The only government presence in these areas are ‘area boy’ Local council officials raiding market women, shop-owners and other petty traders for council rates etc. These rates (which are always ‘negotiable’) disappear into cavernous ‘government’ throat without any shred of public services or utilities in return. Businesses and residents must provide their own power. No business can survive in Akute without generators despite a PHCN Undertaking in the area. PHCN in keeping with its name ‘Power Holding Company of Nigeria’ insists on ‘holding’ electricity meant for distribution and consumption of its customers. However, PHCN is careful not to ‘hold’ unto its monthly bills that are distributed efficiently irrespective of actual power supplied during the billing period.

Akute is surrounded by various Waterworks: Ajiyan Waterworks, Akute Waterworks or sub station and Iju Waterworks; not to mention the several pipelines that run through large sections of the area. Yet Akute residents depend solely on boreholes, streams and wells for that essential commodity. Lagos State Water Corporation reportedly leased the land on which these Waterworks are located from the Ifo Local Government of Ogun State. Ifo LGA is reportedly suing the LASG for non payment of rent with respects to the leased sites. Neither the Ogun State Government nor the ‘indefatigable’ Chairman of Ifo LGA has considered it plausible to negotiate from its tenant concessionary supply for those through whose land the water pipes flow. I guess this will only happen when Akute residents begin their own MEND-like commando operations for their ‘natural resource’.

If properly envisioned, places like Akute, Denro, Alagbole and Ibafo, etc that link Ogun State to a commercial nerve centre like Lagos State can become a goldmine to a thinking and alert government. This is irrespective of where residents pay their tax or who they voted for in disputed elections. Currently, one would be forgiven if perceptions of the current administration at both the local and state levels leave a lot to be desired in these areas.

If it is true that OGD Government’s neglect of Akute and its environs is based on any of the above reasons; and I find it difficult to accept this, then our democracy and federalism is definitely under siege by those who ought to be its staunchest defenders. However, I cannot accept this and can only hope that these are the usual rumours and beer-parlour gossips that characterise a land where it is a ‘privilege’ to access information on ones own government and its intentions.

Unlike the recent spat between members of the National Assembly and a professional colleague; I hope my dear Governor and Hon Chairman’s respective response to my representative plea on behalf of Akute Residents will not be: ‘Who are you?’ This is especially relevant as I lack a Power of Attorney to speak on behalf of the community. I am only a concerned citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; a maternal indigene of Ifo LGA and a ‘card carrying’ member of the Nigerian Masses.

I can only appeal to our dear Governor to revisit these complaints with an eye on the judgment of history and posterity. Power after all is transient. One day in the not too distant future our amiable Governor, the Ifo LGA Chairman or their loved ones may find themselves, without the paraphernalia of office; in the same traffic snarl they’ve bequeathed to the hapless residents of Akute. On that day, it may be a matter of life and death to get to their destination with despatch. Their pro-activeness or inaction today may determine their future tomorrow.

Seán Akinrele is an Author and a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria; http://www.akinrelegroup.com 

Robot  Villager

# 1 Otunba Gbenga Daniels is a man of many parts. The amiable Executive Governor of Ogun State is a man who has climbed to the commanding heights of the private and public sectors of our economic and political landscape. Otunba Daniels (or OGD as he is popularly known) is also widely travelled with cosmopolitan tastes and views. These qualities make it all the more difficult for one to understand the continued indifference of his government to the plight and sufferings of Ogun State citizens in the Akute Lambe axis of Ogun State. In fact, the inhabitants of Akute, Ajuwon, Lambe, Denro, and Alagbole areas of Ifo Local Government of Ogun State could be excused for believing they are not on the OGD government's agenda at all. President Abraham Lincoln said, “The legitimate purpose of government is to do for a community of people, that which they cannot do so well for themselves.” (...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 02.11.2008 19:26

WaleAkin  Villager

# 2 The same Governor splashed millions of Naira at the burial of his late Mother which was even televised live on state TV! Misplaced priority! Posted by WaleAkin| 03.11.2008 11:06

VOR  Villager

# 3 Akute!! that area is a hell hole!! I feel sorry for the residents, what a place to live! You live in that area, you have to leave home pretty early and stay out pretty late to avoid the traffic! Wale, pls leave ogidi ole omo alone, he is doing what he rigged himself into power to do. As for televising the state's 'first mother's burial, what do you want him to do, not show the world how well developed the state is by televising the type of casket and vault 'first mother' is buried in? mind yaself o! all you bloody blackmailers!! Posted by VOR| 03.11.2008 13:20

skanbroy  Villager

# 4 I think OGD is actually one of the better governors in Naija. For the folks in Akute, na beg i take beg you..... Daniel is trying his best, Omi lo po jo ka lo:D:D:D Posted by skanbroy| 03.11.2008 14:15

WaleAkin  Villager

# 5 =skanbroy;285611>I think OGD is actually one of the better governors in Naija. Ha!! WHAT? Daniel is trying his best, Omi lo po jo ka lo:D:D:D Why im no use little water for the oka instead? Im no sabi say na small quantity of oka im get before im begin add am into the water ni? Posted by WaleAkin| 03.11.2008 14:26

ELAWALO  Villager

# 6 Ogun state deserves someone better than OGD Unfortunately People Deceiving People don hold the state !! The rest na story !!!:):mad: Posted by ELAWALO| 03.11.2008 15:56

olalekanbabs  JJC

# 7 The funny part is that the road in question has not been officially commissioned. I live at Akute, my saving grace is that I run shift at work and most times I join the company's staff bus. I just changed dept at work, am to resume in two weeks time and that means I will work on Monday to Friday. I have been thinking of how to go about it, couple with the fact that my new role comes with tool of trade, my wife is saying that we should pack out and move to another neighbourhood and to do that I need between 700k-1M Naira which I can't afford at the moment. What pains me most is that the Governor is an Engineering graduate, awarding road contract to a non-professional. The best option for a thinking governor was to award the contract to a good engineering company, link that same road to Lagos/Ibadan expressway and by doing that will completely ease the traffic at Berger roundabout, open up development in Akute/Ajuwon axis and generate more revenue for the state. Posted by olalekanbabs| 03.11.2008 15:58

WaleAkin  Villager

# 8 =olalekanbabs;285652>The best option for a thinking governor was to award the contract to a good engineering company, link that same road to Lagos/Ibadan expressway and by doing that will completely ease the traffic at Berger roundabout, open up development in Akute/Ajuwon axis and generate more revenue for the state. Linking Akute and its millieu onto the Lagos-Ibadan expressway is a brilliant idea but with a reservation though. Both sides of the road will need an additional lane to act as the slip road to avoid vehicular traffic joining the expressway colliding with fast moving vehicles. We are looking at a major Fed Govt project and i pray that we do not experience the face off between former Works and Housing Minister Ogunlewe and Governor Bola Tinubu in 2003. My heart is with the struggling masses of Akute! Posted by WaleAkin| 03.11.2008 20:30

FoxCatcher  Villager

# 9 WaleAkin Linking Akute and its millieu onto the Lagos-Ibadan expressway is a brilliant idea but with a reservation though. Both sides of the road will need an additional lane to act as the slip road to avoid vehicular traffic joining the expressway colliding with fast moving vehicles. We are looking at a major Fed Govt project and i pray that we do not experience the face off between former Works and Housing Minister Ogunlewe and Governor Bola Tinubu in 2003. Lagos State did the same with Ojodu Berger in the 90s without problems. Within the current democratic dispensation, LASG did the same thing in several places (Otedola Estate, MKO Gardens, Alausa, etc) along the expressway from Berger to Old TollGate without problems. The creation of such a link road to the expressway was reportedly part of his campaign promises in 2003 that won him the bulk votes of the area and its loss in 2007. Even if there is a FG/OGSG issues, it cannot be serious as they are in the same party. The strange thing is that several of those who worked such great things under BG Marwa's Direct Labour Agency (which championed the opening of the Ojodu Berger axis) are reportedly working closely with OGD's government.:icon_ques:icon_ques:icon_ques The truth is that until this govt proves the contrary beyond easonable doubt, its a govt that's seriously 'missing in action'.:confused1:arrow: Ciao Posted by FoxCatcher| 04.11.2008 06:45