The underdevelopment of Ijebu-Jesa, my Native Nazareth (2)

Presidential Aide Alubankudi's gracious response to the first part of this intervention reflects the significance of roots, responsibility, and collective effort in nation-building.

- BY ABIODUN KOMOLAFE

It also accentuates the complexities of development, community dynamics, and leadership's role in shaping Ijebu-Jesa’s future. She has promised to visit Ijebu-Jesa very soon, looking forward to “engaging, listening, and contributing more directly to the development of our community.” Of course, this commitment provides a meaningful framework for exploring our hometown challenges.

As we await further developments, a critical question arises: how did we get to this pass? According to Sunday Ojelabi, former Personal Assistant to the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, “It’s undeniable that Ijebu-Jesa is blessed with citizens who truly love their origin, and this is evident in their demonstrated commitment over the years. Despite this, the town has suffered neglect from successive state governments and even less attention from the federal government.

“The community has provided buildings for every known government presence, including the Divisional Police Station, High Court, Magistrate Court of Appeal, Customary Court, and General Hospital. They also donated 50 hectares of land for the Local Government Secretariat, which now houses INEC, NOA and NPC. When Oba Agunsoye lobbied for the NSCDC Area Command, the community provided the necessary infrastructure.

“The irony is that the town maintains these facilities without government support, using funds raised at the annual Egboro Day festival for renovation works. This raises questions about why a community so supportive of successive governments has been overlooked in terms of development”.

During one of his state visits to Ijebu-Jesa in the Second Republic, Governor Bola Ige of the old Oyo State promised to convert the then Obokun Local Government Secretariat into a 60-bed hospital. Residents were elated! But that was where it ended! Had Ige had the opportunity to tar or dualize the road from Ilesa to, say, Esa-Oke via Ijebu-Jesa, the story of my hometown might have unfolded differently.