Residents of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, and communities in parts of Ijesaland have raised the alarm over the devastating impact of Monday’s heavy downpour, which flooded homes and streets in the state capital and washed away a section of the Ilesa-Ijaregbe link bridge
The rain lasted for hours, causing gutters to overflow and flood homes, while residents feared more rain could worsen the situation.
At Oke-Arugbo Estate, around the Governor’s Office and other communities near the Osun River, residents watched anxiously as the river rose, fearing it could overflow into nearby homes.
Residents said the situation was becoming more worrying as blocked drainage channels left floodwater with nowhere to go, while the swollen Osun River had little room for more water.
A resident of Oke-Arugbo Estate, who asked not to be named, said the rising water level was causing fear, especially among those living close to the riverbank.
‘We are seriously worried because the river is already filled up. If the rain continues, where will the water from our drainage go? We are only praying that the rain stops before the water gets into our houses,’ the resident said.
The residents appealed to the Osun State Government and relevant agencies to inspect the affected areas, clear blocked drainage channels and take preventive measures to protect flood-prone communities.
However, the flooding also revealed the vulnerability of some road infrastructure in other parts of the state, with the Ilesa-Ijaregbe link bridge in Obokun Local Government Area suffering major damage following the heavy rainfall.
The road, which provides a shorter connection between Ilesa and Ijebu-Jesa and serves residents of Ijaregbe, Alatise and neighbouring communities, was reportedly washed away, leaving a large crater and muddy water across the affected section.
Investigations revealed that the damaged section of the road was covered by floodwater, with the collapsed culvert making movement difficult for motorists and motorcycle riders.
Residents said the development had disrupted their daily activities, particularly for workers, traders and students who regularly travel between the affected communities and Ilesa.
A resident, Adewale Alatise, said the collapse had created serious hardship for the people, forcing commuters to consider longer alternative routes.
‘Now, we cannot go to Ilesa the way we used to. Some of us work there, our children go to school there, and many people trade there. We now have to use the longer route through Ijebu-Jesa, which means more time and higher transport fares,’ he added.
Another resident, Mrs Funke Adepoju, appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and other elected representatives, including the senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, the House of Representatives member representing Ijesa North/South and members of the state House of Assembly, to urgently visit the area, assess the damaged culvert and intervene before it causes further problems.
‘We are appealing to the government to come to our aid. The culvert has broken down, and flooding has taken over the road. If another heavy rain falls, we are afraid of what may happen. The government should act before it becomes a bigger disaster,’ she said.
The residents called for immediate measures to control the floodwater and prevent further damage, followed by the reconstruction of the failed culvert and affected section of the road. They also urged the state government to strengthen flood-control efforts across Osun, particularly in riverine communities and areas with poor drainage.