From Ebohon Joan
Residents of Benin City have called on the Edo State Government to urgently rehabilitate the Oba Ovonranmwen Square, formerly known as the Benin City Centre, as the city prepares for activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Oba of Benin.
The square, located less than 200 metres from the Oba’s Palace, is currently in a poor state, with several potholes, overgrown weeds and other signs of neglect.
Although parts of the square are already being decorated ahead of the anniversary celebrations, the condition of the roads surrounding the area has continued to raise concerns among residents and motorists.
The city centre underwent major urban renewal during the administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole in 2008. As part of the project, roads leading to the square were reconstructed and dualised.
Six of the seven roads leading to the city centre were completed during Oshiomhole’s administration, while the remaining road was later reconstructed by his successor, former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Oshiomhole also resurfaced the city centre and constructed a water fountain within the National Museum, adding to the aesthetics of the area.
However, residents said the area received mostly palliative repairs during the Obaseki administration, while the fountain was eventually abandoned and vandalised.
Almost a decade later, the asphalt around the square has deteriorated, with potholes now visible across several sections of the area.
Residents also complained that adjoining roads, including Plymouth Road, Ibiwe Road and Sokponba Road, are in poor condition, causing delays for motorists and affecting the appearance of the city centre.
They further raised concerns about the activities of commercial drivers, who they said continue to pick up and drop off passengers around the square despite an earlier directive restricting such activities.
According to the residents, some officials deployed to control traffic are allegedly more interested in extorting drivers than enforcing traffic regulations.
The gardens around the square have also become overgrown with weeds, while hawkers have taken over parts of the area.
A motorist, Osaro Idemudia, said the condition of the city centre was disappointing.
“We are not happy with the way the Ring Road is looking. Bus drivers are supposed to take passengers to Central Park. Look at dirt everywhere,” he said.
Another resident, James Igie, described the Kings Square as an important representation of Edo State, expressing concern over its present condition.
Reacting to the complaints, the Managing Director of the Edo State Road Maintenance Agency (ERMA), Engr. Felix Ibhade, said the state government had plans to rehabilitate the Ring Road.
Ibhade said Governor Monday Okpebholo was not interested in carrying out another palliative repair but wanted a comprehensive rehabilitation of the road.
He said, “We are on it. Our constraint is the rain because the majority of the roads we have given amelioration, the rain washed them up. So we are waiting for the rain to subside.
“That is the beauty of the town and we don’t want to do it and after one month it will wear out. We will work in collaboration with the Ministry of Works because it is not going to be an easy job.”
The Managing Director of the Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency, Pastor Stanley Ighodaro, also said the city centre and other parts of the state would be beautified.
