By Emmanuel Abidakun
Township roads within Ogbomoso have begun to wear a new look as the activities of Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Soun of Ogbomosoland coronation commences.
Chairman of the coronation Central Planning Committee, Prof. Adesola Adepoju, had on Tuesday, last week at a news conference rolled out the programme of events at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club in Ogbomoso.
The committee disclosed that Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will present the staff of office to Oba Olaoye on Tuesday, 19th December. at the Ogbomoso Township stadium to climax the one-week activities.
The committee said the town would play host to dignitaries from all walks of life, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, representatives of governments at all levels, serving and former governors, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps.
Adepoju said that his committee was already working with the different arms of security agencies to provide adequate security for lives and property during the events as well as travel routes.
The committee chairman disclosed to our correspondent who visited Ogbomoso to observe the level of preparedness, that the traditional ruler had given directives that bad portions on township roads be fixed immediately.
“The rehabilitation of the bad portions of major roads that passed through Caretaker area to Seminary and Bowen Hospital area had commenced.
“There were deep gullies in these areas which make driving through difficult, especially with the hundreds of articulated vehicles plying the roads, often resulting in slow movement of traffic.
“Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) have been contracted to fix the bad portions.”
The contractor was seen on site when visited patching up some of the damaged portions with stone base.
Spokesman to Soun of Ogbomoso, Rev. Peter Olaleye, also corroborated the central committee chairman that the repair work is at the instance of Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye.
Oba Olaoye, according to his spokesman, approached relevant authorities to get the road fixed in order to make driving through the metropolis less burdensome, especially during the coronation activities.
“Oba Olaoye is committed to improving the outlook of Ogbomoso in all facets. He is willing to meet with relevant stakeholders to effect the desired changes.
“It is part of the reasons he decided to launch operation zero tolerance against potholes.
“The Royal father is not happy with the condition of Ogbomoso roads and that is why he decided to partner with RCC to rehabilitate some major roads in the city.
“This is even more germane because of the coronation ceremony”. He solicited the support and cooperation of residents for the Royal father.