Orhuwhorun Residents Stage Protest Over Failing Road, Urge Oborevwori to Intervene

Residents of Orhuwhorun Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have staged a peaceful protest over the deplorable condition of the Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Road, calling on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently address what they described as years of neglect and infrastructural decay.

The demonstration, led largely by women, saw residents march through the community carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Remember Orhuwhorun-Owhrode,” “Fix the Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Access Road,” “The Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Road is Not Motorable,” and “Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Needs Government Attention.”

The protesters lamented that the deteriorating state of the road has continued to inflict hardship on residents, increase transportation costs, and hinder commercial and social activities within the community and neighbouring settlements.

Speaking during the protest, a community leader and High Chief, Oghale Ighodakpo, explained that the action was peaceful and intended solely to draw the attention of government to the suffering residents endure daily due to the condition of the road.

He noted that years of neglect have placed enormous economic pressure on traders, transport operators, business owners and residents who depend on the route for their livelihoods.

According to him, rehabilitating the Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Road is critical to unlocking economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for people in the area.

Also addressing the protesters, the Vice Chairman of Orhuwhorun Community, Chief Cyril Onojeghuo, described the road as a major obstacle to both daily living and business activities. He said workers, students, traders and motorists continue to face serious difficulties navigating the route.

The Women Leader of the community, Mrs. Victoria Ashakpoke, painted a grim picture of the situation, revealing that transportation costs have surged because many commercial drivers now avoid the road due to its swampy and severely damaged condition.

She explained that the road serves as a vital link between Orhuwhorun, Owhrode and several surrounding communities, but years of neglect have left it nearly impassable.

“The hardship faced by our people on a daily basis has become unbearable. Transport fares have doubled because many drivers refuse to ply the road. This is affecting businesses, access to essential services and the overall well-being of residents,” she said.

The protesters appealed to the Delta State Government to prioritise the reconstruction of the road, insisting that restoring the critical access route would ease hardship and stimulate economic growth across the affected communities.