The traditional ruler of Ebu Kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Onu Odilile Paul Opili, has raised fresh concerns over the worsening erosion crisis and the abandoned road project leading to his palace, warning that the community risks being completely cut off if urgent action is not taken.
The monarch described the situation as alarming, lamenting that the Ilo–Ebu Grammar School Road project, reportedly awarded during the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has been abandoned for more than three years.
According to him, the deteriorating condition of the road, compounded by severe erosion, has made movement in and out of the palace extremely difficult for both residents and visitors.
“I am practically caged in the palace. I can hardly go out, and visitors cannot access the palace because the abandoned road has been badly destroyed by erosion,” the royal father lamented.
He appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently intervene by directing the contractor handling the project back to site or awarding the contract to a more competent firm capable of completing the work.
The monarch noted that Ebu Kingdom has consistently supported successive governments and maintained peace in the area, yet the community continues to suffer neglect.
“We have always supported government and ensured peace in our kingdom, but sadly, we no longer have anyone in government to speak for us. We used to have Shimite Bello, but she is late now,” he said.
Onu Opili further decried the devastating impact of erosion across the kingdom, stating that several roads have already been washed away, leaving residents increasingly isolated.
He also expressed concern over the condition of the federal road linking the axis to Abuja, alleging that heavy-duty vehicles have caused extensive damage, thereby endangering lives and property.
The monarch stressed that the abandoned road project serving the palace, Ebu Grammar School, and the community health centre has become a major source of hardship for residents.
Meanwhile, investigations revealed that the project was awarded to Technology Partners International Nigeria Limited.
Findings also indicated that some drainage pavements constructed along the road have already begun collapsing due to erosion. In addition, the fence of Ubueni Primary School, reportedly demolished to create an alternative access route during construction, has yet to be rebuilt, exposing pupils and teachers to potential security threats.
