Ayoma Clarifies LG Chairmen Duties, Calls for State Intervention On Deplorable Roads In Udu.

By Henry Ubus

Udu, Delta State — The Spokesman of Iwhrekreka Community and Deputy Director of Media and Publicity at the Okobaro Royal Palace, Multiple Chief Freeborn Ayoma, has called on the Delta State Government to urgently intervene in the deteriorating state of key roads in Udu and its neighboring communities. He also took time to clarify the constitutional responsibilities of Local Government Chairmen, a topic often misunderstood by the public.

Chief Ayoma made this known during a speech at the birthday celebration of his wife, Mrs. Joy Oyibo Ayoma, held at Wetland Event Center, Oruwhorun Road, Udu.

Speaking candidly, Ayoma noted, “It is not within the constitutional mandate of a Local Government Chairman to construct or rehabilitate state or federal roads. Their duties include paying council staff, councilors, and appointees, supporting our royal fathers from council allocations, constructing local government structures, and handling emergency interventions within their means.”

He praised the current Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, describing him as “the best Local Government Chairman in Delta State” for transforming the council secretariat into an ongoing construction site of development.

According to Chief Ayoma, the responsibilities of Local Government Chairmen include:

1. Payment of Council Appointees and Staff – This covers salaries for councilors, administrative staff, and stipends to traditional rulers.
2. Construction of Local Government Structures – Including markets, primary health care centers, and council secretariats.
3. Maintenance of Local Roads and Drainage – Mostly grading of community roads and clearing blocked drainages.
4. Emergency Repairs on State Roads (When Necessary) – Typically under state jurisdiction, but local councils may intervene in emergencies.
5. Provision of Council Vehicles and Infrastructure – As permitted by available finances and legislative approvals.

Chief Ayoma criticized the Delta State Government for abandoning several critical road projects in Udu. He specifically highlighted the Udu Express Road to ECN, describing it as a death trap that has remained in disrepair for over seven years.

Road Projects Demanding State Government Intervention:

Udu Express Road to ECN – Requires complete reconstruction.

Oruwhorun Bridge to Owhrode-Erhiephihon Junction – Needs urgent drainage works and award to a reputable contractor such as Julius Berger.

Oleri Community Gate (DSC) to Obubu Community – In need of drainage-inclusive road construction.

Ujevwu Railway to Egiege Community – Requires full-scale road development.

Usiefrun Roundabout to Iwhrekreka, Ughevwughe, and Otor-Edo – Should be awarded with proper drainage systems.

Ophorigbala, Otutuama, and Esaba (Urhobo Axis) – All communities are still without access roads.

The community leader did not spare political appointees and representatives from Udu, Ughelli South, and North Federal Constituency, accusing many of being indifferent and self-centered.

“From my observation, most of our appointees are only getting alerts to feed themselves, their families, and lovers. None have even sunk a single borehole for their communities,” he lamented.

Chief Ayoma therefore urged elected officials and stakeholders to wake up to their responsibilities and show genuine commitment to addressing the suffering of the people.

“I stand to be corrected,” he declared, adding that his resolve to speak up is fueled by his first-hand experience and deep connection to the affected communities.

The speech has since sparked discussions across Udu and beyond, with many commending Chief Ayoma for speaking truth to power in a time of growing infrastructural concerns.