Motorists groan over diversion of traffic in Ado-Ekiti

Motorists and commuters in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, are lamenting diversion of traffic in some major roads brought about by demolition of more structures.

The diversion of traffic was carried out to pave the way for dualization of some inner roads by the Governor Ayo Fayose administration.

Some structures were demolished last week in Okeyinmi, Okesa, Okese and Ojumose areas which serve as link roads to the one kilometer flyover.

Huge traffic snarls have now become a daily occurrence along Old Garage, Okeyinmi, Ojumose and Okesa with motorists spending several minutes before gaining passage.

The small stretch of road which links Okeyinmi with Oke Ila has been blocked, which now makes motorists go through the Newspaper Distribution Lane, a very tiny road, to get to their destination.

The Newspaper Distribution Lane has been turned to a one-way traffic,a situation which is giving motorists more headache.

The Ojumose junction, which links Dallimore Street with Ereguru, Aremu Streets, Funmi Olayinka Drive and Oja Oba has also been blocked.

Despite the construction of the flyover, most of the inner link roads in Ado-Ekiti are riddled with potholes. They now serve as alternatives to motorists who have no option.

A taxi driver, Femi Oginni, said: “The diversion of traffic is affecting our business as we now take longer routes to reach our destinations”.

A commuter, Mrs. Mary Ogunniyi, said: “We are just praying that the government finishes these road projects in time because we now spend more time in hold-ups and a lot of time is wasted in transit.”

Commissioner for Works and Transportation, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun, appealed to the general public to be patient with the government, stating that the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads are in public interest.

“When there is no pain, there is no gain. It is about the development of our state and progress for our people.

“The work being done is for our roads to be constructed and rehabilitated and when completed, there will be free flow of traffic.

“It is in the interest of our people, I want to plead with our people for understanding,” Mrs. Ogun said.