By Mick Oseji, Asaba
The traditional ruler of Ebu Kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Onu Odilile Paul Opili, has raised alarm over the devastating impact of erosion and the abandonment of a major road project that has left the community increasingly isolated.
The monarch disclosed that worsening erosion has destroyed several roads within the kingdom, making movement extremely difficult and effectively cutting off parts of the community from the rest of the state.
According to him, the situation has become so severe that he is now largely confined to his palace because residents and visitors can no longer access the area with ease.
Expressing concern over the pitiable situation, the royal father said that the prolonged abandonment of the road project, which he noted was awarded during the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa but has remained uncompleted for more than three years.
“Unfortunately, we do not have anyone in government to speak for us anymore. We used to have Shimite Bello, but she is now late. I am practically caged in the palace. I can hardly go out, and visitors cannot access the palace because the abandoned road has now been severely devastated by erosion,” he said.
The monarch appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently intervene by compelling the contractor to return to the site or by re-awarding the project to a more competent company capable of completing the work.
He stressed that Ebu Kingdom has consistently supported successive governments in the state and has maintained peace and stability over the years despite what he described as continued neglect by authorities.
“We have always played our democratic role in supporting the government and ensuring peace in our kingdom. Unfortunately, we do not have anyone in government to speak for us anymore. We used to have Shimite Bello, but she is late now,” he stated.
The royal father further lamented the growing erosion menace and the deteriorating condition of the major access roads leading into the kingdom, warning that the situation poses serious threats to residents, commuters and public infrastructure.
“Erosion is ravaging our community and destroying the roads we have been managing over the years. We are gradually being cut off from the rest of the state. Even the federal road linking this axis to Abuja has been badly damaged by heavy-duty vehicles, posing serious risks to lives and property,” he added.
He noted that the abandoned road project, which serves critical institutions including the palace, Ebu Grammar School and the community health centre, has become a major concern for residents who now struggle daily with accessibility challenges.
Investigations further revealed that portions of the drainage pavements already constructed along the affected road have begun collapsing under the pressure of erosion, worsening fears that the remaining infrastructure could soon fail completely.
It was also gathered that the fence of Ubueni Primary School, reportedly demolished to create an alternative access route during the road construction, has yet to be rebuilt, leaving both pupils and teachers exposed to security threats.
Further findings identified the abandoned project as the Ilo–Ebu Grammar School Road, reportedly awarded to Technology Partners International Nigeria Limited.
