Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed the immediate restoration of the damaged barricades and access ramps along the Ikare–Akungba highway to curb the recurring fatal accidents that have claimed dozens of lives in the university town.
The governor, who condemned Wednesday’s tragic crash that killed 10 people, also ordered strict enforcement of traffic regulations, warning that drivers who violate safety rules would face the full weight of the law.
Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, gave the directive on Thursday when he led a government delegation to Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area to sympathize with victims’ families and residents.
He first visited the palace of the Alale of Akungba-Akoko, Oba Isiaka Oseni, where he expressed the government’s deep sorrow over the incident, describing the accident as both painful and avoidable.
“We received the unfortunate news with rude shock, and as a government, we are deeply saddened,” Adelami said on behalf of the governor. “Kabiyesi, we commiserate with you and the entire people of Akungba Akoko. We shall take the necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.”
The governor’s team later visited the scene of the accident, where they met grieving students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and residents. “We feel your pain,” Aiyedatiwa told the mourners, noting that the tragedy could have been prevented if the truck driver had obeyed the traffic signs and speed limits.
He assured the community that the government had concluded plans to reconstruct the damaged barricade that restricts heavy-duty vehicles from entering the town and to ensure better monitoring of the highway.
In his response, Oba Isiaka Oseni thanked the governor for the prompt visit and commended the administration for showing empathy, adding that he had taken proactive steps to maintain peace and security in the town.
Similarly, the General Secretary of the AAUA Students’ Union Government, Bakare Abiodun, urged the government to ensure full enforcement of traffic rules and prosecute reckless drivers to serve as a deterrent to others.
Aiyedatiwa’s entourage included the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi; the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal; Chairman of Akoko South-West Local Government, Hon. Ayo Ajana; Vice-Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige; and Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Frederic Orunko, among others.
Fidelis David
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