‘They Bring Bad Tidings’ – Lagos Lawmaker, Tobun Accuses Dangote, Free Trade Zone Of Destroying Epe Roads

By Babatunde Kaka and Zainab Olanrewaju

• In terms of tourism, Epe will become the best local government in Nigeria – Hon. Adedoyin

• We should not be separated from Lagos, we’ve always been progressives – Tobun

A member of the Lagos state house of assembly representing Epe Constituency I, Abiodun Tobun, has decried the deplorable state of Epe roads.

Tobun blamed the poor and shambolic states of the road on the activities of the activities of the Dangote Refinery and Free Trade Zone in the area

Tobun was speaking at the 10th anniversary of the coronation of Olu-Epe of Epe, Oba Shefiu Adewale,

He described the monarch as one with distinction and, noting that to have attained the age of 82 is no mean feat.

He added that Oba Adewale is educated and well informed man.

” Oba Shefiu Adewale, Olu Epe of Epe is a father to all. He is a king with a distinction. He is a well educated and well informed Oba who wants development for this community. Reaching 82 years of age is a milestone, I congratulate him for his 10th coronation anniversary and I thank God for his life “.

On the state of Epe roads, the Lawmaker didn’t mince word in expressing his displeasure and grievances at the situations of things.

He said the people of Epe town have become embittered due to the situation of the roads, noting that the community does not deserve to be neglected because its political leaning has always been that of the progressive.

He took a swipe at Dangote, noting that the activities of the company and that of the free trade zone have not only caused enormous damage to the road but have also tremendously affected the source of livelihoods of the people of the community.

” I must tell you that we are not resting on our oars. The roads have been so bad, the people of this community are bitter, we are not happy because we have belonged to the progressive from time immemorial and we don’t expect this community to be separated from Lagos state. We know that these roads have not been like this. When these roads were constructed years back, it was meant to serve the community and neighbouring states. But today, the activities of the Dangote Refinery and Free Trade Zone, rather than bringing in good things to us, they are bringing bad tidings.

“The people are feeling it badly because a lot of our people have died on that road and a lot of people have lost their source of income due to these bad roads. I must tell you a lot of people have lost their car that are supposed to be their means of livelihood to that road”.

The visibly infuriated but composed lawmaker thereby passionately appealed to the Lagos state government to sooth the pains of Epe residents and commuters by fixing the roads irrespective of the model decided upon.

” We want to appeal to government to quickly come to our aid. If it is going to be tolled, let them toll it. But let them give us a good road that people can ply so that economic activities can improve and that our people will not die needlessly. We are not expecting government to do it alone. So if PPP is coming up, let them come and do a standard road and maintain it.

” We are ready to pay tolls. We want government to come in on time so that we don’t suffer unduly. We are ready to abide by tolling the roads, the sufferness is too much. Leaving those roads in a bad state for so long is not good for our government, the community and humanity “, he said

Also Read: Olu Epe At 82: Sanwo-Olu Felicitates With Monarch, Promises To Develop Epe Town

In the same vein, the Chairman of Epe Local Government, Hon. Adedoyin Adesanya spoke with Ekohotblog. In his brief remarks, he described Oba adewale as a peace loving king. He also expressed his future projections for Epe town in the not too distant future. He said;

” Oba Shefiu Adewale is a complete gentle man to the core, a man of peace that embraces peace in the community and I congratulate him. I wish him more years on the throne in good health and prosperity.

In terms of tourism, Epe will become the best local government in Nigeria. Presently we don’t have any good road in Epe. All the roads leading to Epe are bad. So, we are appealing to the federal government and state government to come to our aid to give us a sense of belonging in governance”.