It was a bright and memorable afternoon in Eruwa, the headquarters of Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State. The town was agog as dignitaries and residents trooped out in large numbers for the coronation of the new Eleruwa of Eruwa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adegbọla. The atmosphere was electric with pomp and pageantry.
In the presence of this large crowd, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, made a bold and categorical promise. Beating his chest confidently, he declared that the ongoing Ido-Eruwa road project would be completed before the 2026 electioneering campaigns begin. In a moment of emphatic commitment, the governor told the people: “If I don’t fix the Ido-Eruwa road, don’t allow me to campaign in Ibarapa.”
That statement, made voluntarily and publicly, has since been etched in the collective memory of the Ibarapa people. Once spoken before such a gathering, it cannot be easily erased or forgotten.
Fast forward to today, and the reality on the ground tells a different story. The Ido-Eruwa road remains under construction. With the rainy season now fully upon us, work on the project has become considerably more challenging, as heavy rainfall often disrupts construction activities, particularly on roads. Meanwhile, the countdown to the 2026 general elections has begun in earnest, and political activities are set to intensify in the coming weeks and months.
The Ido-Eruwa road is more than just another infrastructure project. It is a critical artery that connects communities, facilitates the movement of agricultural produce from Ibarapa’s rich farmlands to markets in Ibadan and beyond, and supports the socio-economic life of the entire region. For years, residents have endured the hardships of a bad road — from prolonged travel times and vehicle damage to limited access to essential services. The people of Ibarapa have waited patiently for this promise to be fulfilled.
Governor Makinde’s statement at the Eleruwa’s coronation was not made in a closed-door meeting or during a political rally where rhetoric often runs high. It was a public pledge before traditional rulers, community leaders, and thousands of ordinary citizens. Such promises carry weight and create expectations. They also test the credibility of public office holders.
As a concerned stakeholder and son of the soil, I believe it is necessary at this crucial time to respectfully remind His Excellency of the words he uttered that day. The people of Ibarapa are watching. They remember. And they expect that a man’s word should remain his bond, especially when given so publicly and with such conviction.
It is not too late for the state government to redouble efforts on the Ido-Eruwa road project. With improved planning, adequate resource allocation, and possible deployment of additional machinery and manpower, significant progress can still be made despite the rains. Completing this road as promised would not only ease the suffering of the people but also strengthen public trust in governance.
The ball is now in the governor’s court. The people of Ibarapa are reasonable and appreciative of developmental efforts, but they also value integrity and accountability. A promise is a promise.
As the 2026 election season approaches, the governor’s own words ring loud: “If I don’t fix Ido-Eruwa road, don’t allow me to campaign in Ibarapa.”
The choice, ultimately, remains with the good people of Ibarapa.
Tunji Ajibade, a broadcast journalist, social commentator, and literary analyst, writes from Ibadan. He can be reached via talogaju22@gmail.com.
