Members of The Osun Masterminds during the press conference at the organisation's office. Photo: Supplied.
Members of The Osun Masterminds during the press conference at the organisation’s office. Photo: Supplied.
The Osun Masterminds has called on the Osun State Government to declare a state of emergency on township roads in Osogbo, listing the Dele-Yes-Sir/Oke-Fia, Olaiya/Ogo-Oluwa and MDS/Oja-Oba/Ilesa-Garage corridors among the routes it says require urgent attention.
The organisation also raised concerns over the condition of major federal highways linking the South-West with other parts of the country, as well as reported cases of kidnapping along interstate travel routes.
These issues were raised by the organisation’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, during a press conference held at its office on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Speaking at the conference, he presented the organisation’s assessment of infrastructure, security and governance in Osun State and Nigeria.
### Three major Osogbo road corridors identified
In its assessment of infrastructure in Osogbo, the organisation identified the Dele-Yes-Sir/Oke-Fia axis, the Olaiya/Ogo-Oluwa corridor and the MDS/Oja-Oba/Ilesa-Garage network as major routes requiring attention.
The group said the Dele-Yes-Sir/Oke-Fia corridor, which it described as a previously busy and smooth transit route, had deteriorated, with damaged asphalt, potholes and poor drainage management affecting movement.
It stated that motorists using the road were forced to navigate damaged sections, making journeys difficult.
On the Olaiya/Ogo-Oluwa corridor, the organisation acknowledged previous administrative interventions around the Olaiya flyover intersection but said adjoining roads leading towards Ogo-Oluwa remained in poor condition.
According to the statement, drainage overflows, erosion and inadequate maintenance had affected sections of the route.
The group also identified the MDS/Oja-Oba/Ilesa-Garage network, describing it as an important commercial route in the state capital.
“This axis represents the commercial heartbeat of Osogbo. It is worrisome that driving through the heart of Osogbo from Oja-Oba through MDS down to Ilesa Garage leaves one with a bad taste in the mouth,” the statement read.
### Group demands state of emergency on township roads
The Osun Masterminds called on the state government to declare a state of emergency on township roads in Osogbo.
It said road rehabilitation should involve comprehensive engineering work rather than temporary repairs.
“We call on the Osun State Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on Osogbo township roads,” the organisation stated.
It added that “palliative measures must move beyond cosmetic stone-filling to durable, comprehensive engineering solutions that can withstand the elements and serve our people sustainably.”
### Ekiti-Kogi-Abuja, Ilorin-Jebba highways listed
The organisation also expressed concern over the condition of federal highways connecting the South-West to other parts of Nigeria.
It specifically identified the Ekiti-Kogi-Lokoja-Abuja Highway, describing it as an important route linking the South-West with the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the statement, several sections of the highway had deteriorated, with failed portions and washed-out surfaces reportedly causing delays for commuters.
The group also listed the Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa-Egbe corridors, describing them as important routes for agricultural produce and interstate commerce.
It alleged that the condition of the roads had made journeys difficult and contributed to accidents involving heavy-duty trucks.
The statement said trucks reportedly overturned on the routes, spilling goods and obstructing traffic for extended periods.
The organisation called on the Federal Ministry of Works and relevant government agencies to intervene.
“We request immediate, aggressive intervention from the Federal Ministry of Works and relevant agencies,” it stated.
It added that Nigerians should be able to travel between states without risking their lives because of damaged highways.
The organisation’s executive director and members at the press conference. Photo: Supplied.
### Osun Masterminds raises alarm over kidnapping
The organisation also expressed concern over reported kidnapping incidents along interstate highways as the yuletide season approaches.
It specifically mentioned the Kabba-Lokoja-Abuja routes, citing reports from travellers and transport unions about kidnapping-for-ransom activities along the corridors.
According to the statement, travellers were reportedly being abducted from vehicles and taken into forests, where they faced ransom demands.
The organisation said the reported incidents had raised concerns among people travelling for business and family engagements during the festive period.
It called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army and local security structures to establish coordinated security operations along routes considered vulnerable to attacks.
“We strongly call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, and local security structures to immediately deploy coordinated, intelligence-led joint task forces along these high-risk corridors,” the statement read.
The group also called for sustained security operations before the peak of yuletide travel.
### Schools, healthcare and unemployment also raised
Beyond infrastructure and security, the Osun Masterminds addressed education, healthcare, youth unemployment and local government administration in the state.
The organisation said public schools required infrastructural improvements and instructional materials, while primary healthcare centres lacked basic drugs and adequate personnel.
It also raised concerns over youth unemployment and what it described as limitations affecting local government administration and grassroots development.
The group called on the Osun State Government to focus on its governance responsibilities following the conclusion of the gubernatorial election cycle.
The organisation said the state needed attention to public services and development rather than continued political activities.
“Drop the toga of permanent campaign and face serious governance,” the statement read.
The organisation said residents expected improvements in development, employment, security and infrastructure.
It also called for public funds to be directed towards public services and verifiable projects.
“Every kobo of public funds must henceforth be channeled strictly toward tangible public good, probity, and verifiable infrastructural output,” it stated.
The group said it would continue to monitor government activities and demand accountability from public officials.
### Group calls for peace ahead of 2027 elections
The organisation also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, political actors and security agencies to promote peace and tolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It urged political stakeholders to avoid ethnic, religious and partisan divisions and called for political disagreements to be addressed through debate rather than violence.
