Oke Aro – Matogbun Road: Stakeholders meeting end in deadlock

The stakeholders and community leaders rub minds on how to find lasting solution to the plight of people plying Oke Aro – Matogbun road on a daily basis but the meeting ended in deadlock as the major stakeholders are on different pages.

The meeting which was held on Tuesday, 6th of February, 2019 at The Community Hall, Matogbun was well attended by community leaders such Otunba Olusanya, Deacon O. M. Olapade, Chief Olaniyan Oyeyemi, Mrs Lawal, Dr Fallas as well as Engr Kushimo, relevant transporter association such as NURTW, RTEAN, TORAN, ACCOMORAN as well as AMORAN were also in attendance.

Community leaders on their part had made necessary arrangement to commence tolling on the road. According to report, Community leaders have awarded the toll gate contract to two (2) contractors, namely Mr Oladejo and Mr Temitope. They (Contractors) will be depositing the sum of one hundred and twenty thousand naira (#120,000) up front on a weekly basis and the money will be remitted to the joint account of Matogbun Area CDC and Araromi Oke Odo Area CDC. The report also claimed that the community leaders had set up three (3) committees; which are Project Committee, Finance Committee as well as Management Board. The committees and contractors can be dissolve at any time.

On the other hand, the transporter associations kicked against the arrangement, accused the community leaders of not involving them before making such arrangement, adding that none of their members is in the committees. They also claimed that they are working on the road also and they have already seal an agreement with the Baales. Their stand is that before they can be involve in any agreement, the 3 Baales that the issue of the concern must be in attendance.

Tolling of the road should not be for profit making

Mr Tanimowo, from Araromi Oke Odo Area CDC, who said he also submit bid as contractor for the road in 2017 said the tolling of the road should not be for profit making, rather it should be voluntary service to the community. He also said he is ready to volunteer his time to work on the road with or without tolling, adding that with voluntary donation, the road can be maintained.

The meeting was then adjourned till next week Tuesday, 12th of February, 2019 while the three (3) Baales; High Chief Akin. O. Osoteni (Baale Matogbun), Chief Ekemode (Baale Maidan) as well as Chief Muse Fadairo (Baale Legun) will be invited.