The Modakeke community in Osun State has appealed to the state government for urgent intervention as inner roads across the town continue to deteriorate, causing hardship and slowing down social and economic activities.
The call was made on Monday by Prince Tunmbi Toriola, Chairman of the 40th Akoraye Day Planning Committee, during a press briefing ahead of the annual celebrations. He said most of the access roads connecting neighbourhoods within Modakeke have fallen into disrepair, affecting transportation, businesses, cultural events, and daily life.
To tackle the worsening infrastructural challenges, Toriola announced that the community plans to raise N1 billion during this year’s Akoraye Day grand finale. The fund will be dedicated to community-driven development projects across Modakeke.
He noted that while the people of Modakeke remain committed to self-help initiatives, meaningful and sustainable development can only be achieved through active government partnership.
“Modakeke has consistently demonstrated its commitment to self-help development. Communities thrive best when government support strengthens local initiatives,” Toriola said.
He urged the Osun State Government to act swiftly on critical issues such as dilapidated roads, incomplete drainage systems, inadequate water supply, outdated health facilities, and weak security infrastructure.
“Our roads have become a pressing concern,” he added. “They affect commerce, emergency response, social mobility, and the overall well-being of residents. The bridge at Old Nepa Area, for instance, remains incomplete and at risk of collapse.”
Highlighting past achievements made through communal efforts, Toriola listed several notable projects funded by previous Akoraye Day events, including Modakeke High School, an ultramodern palace, a police station, courts, and a post office.
He also revealed that this year’s celebration will attract prominent royal fathers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, with security and logistics arrangements already in place.
Beyond infrastructure, Toriola appealed for unity among residents, stressing that peace remains the foundation for progress and healthy relations with neighbouring communities.
This latest call comes after a similar appeal in October 2024, when the Modakeke community urged President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke to curb recurring attacks by suspected hoodlums. The Modakeke Progressive Union had raised concerns then after hoodlums reportedly pulled down a welcome signpost at the Urban Day Area, heightening tensions in the town.