Governor Adeleke Orders Rehabilitation of Ibodi-Ilesa Road to Curb Accidents, Implements Safety Measures
Governor Ademola Adeleke has instructed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to renovate and widen the Ibodi-Ilesa road in the Ilesa area of the state to prevent frequent accidents that have resulted in fatalities recently.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, on Friday in Osogbo, the governor endorsed the recommendation while receiving a report from a committee he established following a tragic accident that claimed the life of a female University of Ilesa staff member.
The governor tasked the Commissioner for Transportation with exploring the establishment of a trailer park in the area to eliminate the congestion of trailers.
While expressing condolences to the deceased university staff member’s family, the governor approved the compensation arrangement previously agreed upon between the truck owner and the family of the deceased. However, he emphasized that no amount of monetary compensation could replace a “precious life.”
Governor Adeleke also authorized the formulation of regulations to regulate trucking activities along the road in question, cautioning companies operating in the state to prioritize the safety and security of their host communities.
“We are implementing stringent regulations to prevent similar tragic incidents in the future. The Ministry of Works will oversee road expansion, and the Ministry of Transportation will establish a trailer park. Parking of trailers on the narrow road is prohibited, and speed limits will be strictly enforced,” he stated.
Committee Chairman Mr. Sesan Oyedele noted that the committee visited the families of the deceased, the affected company, and the University of Ilesa management, expressing condolences and negotiating with the grieving family to reach a settlement.
The accident occurred on April 3 when a container filled with cashew nuts, being transported by a truck, fell on the victim’s car, resulting in her death on the Ilesa/Ibodi expressway, near the university’s entrance, causing panic as bystanders rushed to rescue the trapped victim.
