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Why Erinla? Unveiling the Deep Historical Significance of Erinla in Ondo’s Glorious Past
A few weeks ago, I took a bold step forward: launching the grading of rural roads in Ondo West Local Government, with a special focus on Ondo West Constituency 2. I live by the timeless truth that charity begins at home—but it must never end there. My mission became crystal clear—to make it possible for any saloon car to drive smoothly all the way to Erinla, transforming isolation into opportunity.
My drive is threefold: political, economic, and above all, historical.
Politically, it stems from a painful moment during the 2024 gubernatorial campaign that brought our leader His Excellency, @LuckyAiyedatiwa , to power as Executive Governor of Ondo State. LOC campaign Itinerary was set to reach Erinla, but the deplorable road conditions forced us to halt at Bagbe. That day, I vowed: something must change.Showcasing the strength of Ekimogun must include the beauty and uniqueness of our rural communities. Recognizing the immense strain on government resources, I chose to self-finance this vital work—because waiting is no longer an option.
Economically, the Bagbe-Erinla-Tokunbo road is far more than a path—it's a vital artery linking Ward 4, Ward 6, Ward 2, and roughly 50 agrarian communities in Ondo West. In our farming heartland, good roads mean easier access to markets, faster transport of produce, reduced hardship, and real economic revival. As a son of the soil, who has witnessed the daily struggles firsthand—the mud, the breakdowns, the lost opportunities—I could no longer stand by.
But the deepest motivation is historical. Erinla is no ordinary village; it is a living monument to Ondo resilience, etched into our kingdom's ancient story for centuries. Erinla stands among the early satellite settlements founded by Ondo emigrants—alongside places like Igunshin,Igbado, Igbindo, Ajue, Ilu-Nla, and others.
Most profoundly, during a turbulent period of civil strife in the 18th century, Erinla became a mighty refuge. High Chief Kolidoye, revered in our annals as Lisapatako, led over 30,000 Ondo people to safety there, shielding them from chaos and preserving our heritage. His descendants proudly lead the community to this day. It was in that era of vigilance and valor that his son—my own great-great-grandfather, Ogunupe Falemara—served as a sentry. Coined from his chieftaincy title, Obagbemi of Ondo, he founded present-day Bagbe, planting roots that still anchor our lineage and land.
This history is not distant lore; it pulses in our veins. Erinla sheltered thousands in crisis—now, we must honor that legacy by refusing to let its people remain cut off.
With the grading underway, our rural road revolution has only begun. Bagbe, headquarters of Ondo South West LCDA, holds strategic promise—we will make the Bagbe-Ilunla road fully motorable, extend grading to neighboring villages, connect Ward 12, and push for completion of the vital bridge to Igbado. These links will unleash development across the corridor. We've already advanced grading toward Oke-Isa (gateway to Igbindo, Ward 6 headquarters) and also set our sights on Laje and its environs. Also the Lujomu, Ajagbale communities and other exterior of Ward 8 are all under my purview and will reach out in due course.
These are ambitious endeavors, but with unwavering commitment and collective dedication, they are within reach. I still remember cruising these paths in my grandfather's car—now, I dream of every family experiencing that same freedom and progress.
Furthermore, Working in partnership with the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. I have Secured funding for the Bagbe Township Road and will be flag-off in the coming weeks.
Adelosoye Maxwell Ademola
Vice Chairman, Ondo South West LCDA
Convener, AMA Cares
#APC
#ondo
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