By Wole Arisekola
Prominent Ibadan businessman and community leader, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, has issued a passionate open letter to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, calling for the immediate completion of the road leading to Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Akanran, describing his recent experience as disappointing and unworthy of the state’s reputation for infrastructural development.
In the widely circulated letter, Arisekola recounted how a journey that should have taken between 30 and 40 minutes from Ibadan to Ilaji Hotels lasted for more than two hours because of the deplorable condition of the access road.
According to him, the experience was so frustrating that he questioned whether he was still within Oyo State or had crossed into neighbouring Ogun State.
“I have always been proud to showcase Oyo State’s impressive road network to friends from across Nigeria. But my recent journey to Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort completely changed that narrative,” he wrote.
Drawing comparisons with the world-class Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort in Akwa Ibom State, where he stayed during the 2019 general elections, Arisekola described Ilaji Hotels as one of Nigeria’s finest hospitality destinations, noting that it rivals the best resorts anywhere in the country.
He commended the founder of the resort, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, for building what he described as the largest and most impressive private tourism and hospitality investment in Ibadan, adding that the facility has become a major employer of labour and a significant contributor to the economy of Oyo State.
According to him, such an investment deserves government support rather than being hindered by poor road infrastructure.
He recalled how generations of distinguished Ibadan industrialists, including the late Chief Bode Akindele, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola, Chief Yekini Adeojo, and Chief N.A. Idowu, contributed immensely to the economic development of Oyo State, stressing that successive leaders traditionally encouraged indigenous businesses to flourish.
Arisekola also reflected on his personal experience while developing Oluyole Estate in Abuja, where respected Ibadan personalities demonstrated uncommon trust and solidarity by investing in the project even before physically inspecting the site.
He described that gesture as the true spirit of Ibadan—one built on brotherhood, unity and mutual support.
Addressing Governor Makinde directly, he reminded the Governor that Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi is not only his longtime friend but also an Ibadan indigene whose investment deserves every possible encouragement.
“It is painful to watch such a massive investment suffer avoidable losses simply because motorists and visitors struggle to access the facility,” he stated.
Quoting the Yoruba proverb, “Ti agbalagba ba s’umi oganjo, b’ojumo ba mo, a d’imi ewe,” Arisekola urged the Governor not to allow history to judge the administration for neglecting such an economically strategic road.
He expressed confidence that the Governor might not have received accurate information about the true condition of the road from relevant officials, particularly the Ministry of Works.
The respected businessman therefore appealed to Governor Makinde to urgently remobilise contractors to the project site and ensure the speedy completion of the road.
He stressed that the appeal goes beyond the interest of Ilaji Hotels alone, noting that improved access would benefit farmers transporting produce, investors, tourists, local businesses and thousands of commuters who rely on the corridor daily.
Arisekola concluded by praying for Governor Makinde’s continued success as he rounds off his administration, while urging all stakeholders to prioritise the long-term development of Oyo State.
“We have no other state except Oyo State. We must first see ourselves as Ibadan indigenes, then as citizens of Oyo State, and ultimately as proud Nigerians.”
