By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Mowo-Ikoga-Ado Odo road |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a scathing indictment of infrastructure neglect, Badagry activist Prince Samuel Mawutin Ofade has labeled the current state of the Mowo-Ikoga-Ado Odo road a "national and state disgrace."
The outcry, made on Monday, February 16, 2026, highlights the worsening conditions of a critical artery that connects the historical town of Badagry in Lagos State to the industrial and agrarian hub of Ado Odo in Ogun State.
For thousands of commuters, the road has transformed into a death trap and a graveyard for vehicles. Once a bustling route during the era of "Molue" and "Bolekaja" transportation, the road is now in total shambles. Residents describe a hellish daily commute marked by deep craters, stagnant pools of water, and mud that effectively cuts off hundreds of communities from essential services.
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| Mowo-Ikoga-Ado Odo road |
Prince Ofade’s critique took a sharp political turn as he questioned the efficacy of the area’s representatives at both state and federal levels. Specifically, he called out the Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), who represents Badagry Constituency II.
"There is no evidence of lobby or presentation regarding the worst condition of this dilapidated road at the Lagos State House of Assembly," Ofade stated in a post on his official Facebook page. "Despite a ten-year tenure spanning three terms, the road remains a nightmare. What then prompts a request for a fourth term?"
The activist also extended the challenge to the federal representative in Abuja, arguing that four years is more than enough time to achieve results if the representative understands the "game of lobbying," especially for a road that leads directly to their home community.
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| Mowo-Ikoga-Ado Odo road |
The Mowo-Ikoga axis is not just a transportation corridor; it is an economic lifeline for farmers, traders, and small business owners. Its continued dilapidation is seen by many as a deliberate stunting of Badagry’s development.
"The road’s condition is not just a transportation issue; it’s a human rights issue," Ofade argued. "It is as if our area’s development is being deliberately ignored. Is Badagry truly part of Lagos State, and do our votes matter?"
While rumors circulated last year that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had awarded a contract for the road's reconstruction, residents claim there has been no visible mobilization to the site. Many now view such reports as "mere political propaganda" designed to keep the electorate hopeful as the 2027 general elections approach.
Beyond the economic toll, the road has become a significant health hazard. Dust during the dry season and waterborne diseases during the rains have made life unbearable for those living along the Mowo to Koga Zebbe stretch. The silence of the youth many of whom are allegedly swayed by short-term political gains was also highlighted as a factor perpetuating the underdevelopment.
In a direct appeal for intervention, the people of Badagry are looking toward the Executive Chairman of the Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Adande Hunpe. Stakeholders are urging the Chairman to use his office to bridge the communication gap between the local needs and the state and federal governments.
The demand is clear: Badagry should not be treated as a mere "political tool" for votes. As the 2027 election cycle begins to loom, the "National Disgrace" at Mowo-Ikoga stands as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done.