A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adejoro Adeogun, has expressed deep sorrow over the fatal truck accident that claimed multiple lives in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, on Wednesday, describing the incident as “satanic and avoidable.”
In a statement shared via his Facebook page, Adeogun mourned the victims — including a pregnant woman, a mother, her 200-level student son of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and seven others — who lost their lives when a Dangote truck lost control and rammed into vehicles and pedestrians along the busy road.
Adeogun, who represented Akoko South East/South West Federal Constituency, recounted how, during the build-up to the Ondo 2024 governorship election, the campaign convoy of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was once stopped by the same barricade in Akungba, which was erected to restrict heavy trucks from endangering the university community.
He noted that the Governor chose not to dismantle the barricade for convenience, understanding its importance to the safety of residents and students.
“Special arrangements were made, and none of the barricades was pulled down. The Governor knew how dangerous it would be to leave the University community in the hands of reckless articulated vehicles. After winning the election, he swiftly moved to flag off the dualization of the road — a bold and permanent step to end incessant loss of lives and properties,” Adeogun wrote.
Condemning attempts by some individuals to link Governor Aiyedatiwa to the tragedy, Adeogun described such claims as “insensitive.”
“Today’s accident wrecked me. It is gory. It is satanic. It is avoidable. More satanic is the linking of the Governor who didn’t change the rules to favour himself when he faced the barricade during his election. How insensitive can anyone be?” he said.
The former lawmaker urged the Ondo State Government to investigate those who allegedly reopened the barricade and permitted trucks to ply the route, despite ongoing construction.
“Those who make profit from the pains of others cannot be sane. Our society is governed by laws. May the souls of the victims find rest, and may their families find peace at this difficult time,” he concluded.
The Akungba-Akoko community, home to Adekunle Ajasin University, has been thrown into mourning once again following recurring truck crashes, despite previous protests and government interventions aimed at preventing such tragedies.
