Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has commiserated with victims of Monday’s fatal auto crash in Iworoko Ekiti, which claimed the life of a commercial motorcyclist and displaced several residents. He has also ordered the temporary relocation of affected residents and the drivers’ union motor park situated near the accident hotspot.
The incident occurred when a heavily loaded truck traveling along the Ifaki–Iworoko–Ado Ekiti dual carriageway lost control and rammed into buildings, killing a middle-aged motorcyclist and leaving many traders and residents displaced after their structures were destroyed.
Speaking on Wednesday during a visit to the palace of the Alaworoko of Iworoko Ekiti and the crash site, the governor, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, said the government was deeply pained by the death and shared in the loss of those whose property was damaged.
“On behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the good people of Ekiti State, we commiserate with you on this terrible incident. Our governor has always said he was not elected to mourn over the people, but to make their lives better. The governor is deeply touched by this avoidable incident,” Afuye said.
Oyebanji stated that the government would move beyond “cosmetic” measures and pursue permanent solutions to recurring accidents at the location, which have resulted in repeated loss of lives and property. He urged the community to submit proposals on resolving the matter and noted that “painful and hard decisions” may be necessary to stop the carnage.
Recalling previous tragedies, the governor noted that 18 people were killed at the same spot in 2019, an incident that prompted a visit by then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
“Pending the time we come up with a concrete step to address the issue, the residents of this area should temporarily relocate in the interest of their safety. The drivers’ union motor park located within that area should also be relocated to a more secure environment,” Afuye conveyed on behalf of the governor.
She added that measures such as speed bumps along the sharp bend and concrete barriers could help, while stressing that traders and residents near the route must relocate. “No driver is deemed to be absolutely perfect,” she said.
Sunday Ogunsanya, Chairman of Ifedara Local Council Development Area, said the immediate installation of speed bumps at the bend would help control vehicular speed and appealed for expeditious government approval to enable the council to act. He also urged the state to compensate families who lost relatives and property, describing it as the best way to cushion their suffering.
The Regent of Iworoko Ekiti, Princess Bolanle Ogundola, represented by Chiefs Johnson Bada and Abiodun Ologunsaba, proposed the installation of concrete pillars and speed bumps at the sharp bend on the Ifaki–Iworoko–Ado Ekiti highway as a corrective measure. She said the community was no longer comfortable with the recurring tragedies and pledged support for government efforts to resolve the issue.
“Even after the incident of 2019 where 18 people were killed inside the market, many other incidents of that nature had occurred here. As a people, we are tired of these, and we cannot continue to mourn our people. There must be a solution this time,” the regent stated. She also backed calls for compensation for victims.
On the governor’s entourage were the Chairman of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Ademola Bello; the agency’s General Manager, Mr. Oludare Asaolu; and other top government officials.
