07/07/2026
*ECHOES FROM OBALAND: A TWIN TOWN NEGLECTED BY GOVERNMENT*
Oba-Ile and Oba-Oke are two ancient, closely connected towns located in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State. Rich in history, culture, and agricultural potential, these communities have continued to contribute significantly to the development of the state and the nation despite years of government neglect.
Obaland is home to several distinguished personalities, including the late veteran actor *Dr. Kola Oyewo;* *Ambassador* *Issah Niniola;* Deputy Protocol Officer to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, *Alhaji Abdukabir Ajisope;* founder of the Ajisope Development Initiative, *Brigadier General Olutosin Adebayo Ogunleye* , the Registrar of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA); *Semi Ajayi,* Super Eagles defender; and *Hon. Durojaye Afees (PDA),* an aspirant for the House of Representatives representing the Osogbo Federal Constituency, among many other accomplished sons and daughters of the land.
With a population of about 10,000 people, Oba-Ile and Oba-Oke are predominantly agrarian communities renowned for the cultivation of both cash and food crops, making the area an important food-producing hub.
Sadly, the roads linking the towns to Okinni, Ikirun, and Dagbolu have deteriorated into death traps.
Years of neglect by successive governments have left these roads in a deplorable and nearly impassable condition. Farmers now face enormous challenges transporting their produce to nearby markets, resulting in economic hardship and declining livelihoods.
The situation within the towns is equally alarming.
Most of the internal roads have become so dilapidated that vehicles can barely access many parts of the communities. Although residents have constructed some bridges through community self-help efforts to reduce flooding and erosion, many roads remain overgrown with bushes and are in urgent need of rehabilitation.
Speaking during a tour of the affected areas with journalists, a prominent indigene, Alhaji Abdulkabir Ajisope, decried what he described as the prolonged abandonment of the communities despite their consistent participation in the democratic process.
He also highlighted the worsening electricity situation, stating that residents have endured years of complete darkness.
"Our people have continued to vote and support successive governments, yet our communities remain neglected. Electricity has become a luxury here, and the terrible state of our roads has crippled economic activities and made life extremely difficult for our people," he said.
The people of Obaland are appealing to the Osun State Government and the Federal Government to urgently intervene by rehabilitating the access roads, fixing the internal road network, and restoring electricity to the communities.
They believe that these basic infrastructural investments will not only improve the quality of life of residents but also unlock the vast agricultural and economic potential of the area.
