Gbagodo Community Seeks Roads, Electricity, Healthcare as Baale , Alukete Marks Five-Year Leadership
The Baale of Gbagodo community in Dale-Whedakoh Kingdom, Badagry, Lagos State, Chief Olusoji Megonu Alukete, has appealed to the government to address persistent flooding, poor road infrastructure and inadequate electricity supply affecting residents of the community.
Alukete said the community faces significant challenges during the rainy season, when flooding and poor road conditions make movement difficult for residents.
Speaking during the event which marked the fifth anniversary of his reign, and commissionioning of the new Palace, the traditional ruler said the community also urgently needs a transformer to improve electricity supply, which he described as inadequate.
“Our major challenge occurs during the rainy season, we go through a lot. We don’t have good roads, and we need a transformer to power our electricity,” he said.
He appealed to the government to pay attention to the community’s infrastructure needs, particularly the lack of a transformer, which he said has contributed to low electricity supply.
The traditional ruler also identified the absence of adequate educational and healthcare facilities as other pressing concerns requiring government intervention.
According to him, Gbagodo has no school within the community, forcing children to go through an expressway to access education, a situation he described as risky.
He said the community has written to the government requesting a school and had submitted the necessary survey documents. However, the community was asked to lay the foundation before further assistance could be provided, a requirement he said would cost more than ₦50 million.
Alukete said the community lacks the financial capacity to undertake such a project without external support, despite its efforts to seek government assistance through its Community Development Association (CDA).
On healthcare, he said residents also need a functional health centre, noting that an existing facility in a neighbouring community is not operating effectively.
Despite these challenges, the Baale said his administration has recorded some progress in the past five years, including grading roads, installing solar-powered streetlights and making efforts to improve security.
Reflecting on his leadership, Alukete said his approach has been to remain humble, listen to residents and work with them to address the community’s needs. He also urged the government to strengthen its engagement with traditional rulers, describing them as a vital link between the government and the people because of their proximity to grassroots communities.
“Government should listen to traditional rulers because they are close to the people. They know their problems and what they need,” he said.
Alukete expressed optimism that Gbagodo would experience greater development in the next decade, adding that he hopes the government would respond positively to the community’s requests.
The traditional ruler of Dale-Whedakoh Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Aholu Samuel Olusegun Wheto (JP), also known as Aholu Shewhenu Toyon I, who installed Alukete as Baale, expressed satisfaction with his development efforts.
Wheto said the anniversary and commissioning of the new palace were occasions of pride, noting that Alukete had demonstrated commitment to his traditional responsibilities. He explained that he installed Alukete because he considered him entitled to the position and expects him to represent his interests while attending to the needs of the community.
The monarch said the Baale’s achievement in completing the palace is significant, particularly because community development projects require adequate funding.
According to him, other traditional rulers could pursue similar initiatives if they have the necessary financial resources and support. Wheto expressed hope that Alukete’s efforts would encourage other traditional rulers to undertake projects that would benefit their communities.
The Chairman of the Gbagodo Community Development Association (CDA) , Otunba Olanrewaju Kabiru, commended Alukete for supporting community development projects, particularly efforts to address flooding and improve street lighting.
Kabiru said flooding has become a major concern during the rainy season, sometimes making it difficult for residents to move in and out of the community by car. He explained that the Baale has provided loads of laterite to support efforts to improve the roads and has facilitated the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the community.
According to him, the interventions have helped residents despite the area’s continuing infrastructure challenges. Kabiru expressed appreciation for the traditional ruler’s support and prayed for his continued good health and longevity on the throne.
Similarly, the Secretary of Gbagodo Community, Agosu Sewedo Francis, described the fifth anniversary and the opening of the new palace as a significant milestone for the community. Francis expressed optimism that the occasion would mark the beginning of further development, but stressed that the community still needs government assistance, particularly in electricity supply.
He said residents are not enjoying adequate electricity and appealed to the government to respond to their requests for improved power infrastructure. Francis also commended Alukete for his contributions to community development, including efforts towards the establishment of a modern market and the construction of the new palace. He said the traditional ruler had demonstrated commitment to the community despite limited government support for some of the projects.
Similarly, a member of the community committee, Stanley Illiyasu, praised Alukete for promoting inclusiveness and accommodating people from different backgrounds in Gbagodo.
Illiyasu, who said he has lived in Badagry for more than 30 years, described Gbagodo as an exceptional community where residents were welcomed without discrimination. He also commended the Baale for taking the initiative to support development projects and providing assistance during periods of flooding.
According to him, Alukete had intervened to help the community even before residents could organise themselves to address some of their challenges.
“When the flood ravaged our areas, we cannot quantify how many loads of sand he offered. As community members came out to assist, we are saying thank you,” Illiyasu said.
He expressed gratitude for the traditional ruler’s commitment to the community and prayed for his continued good health, peace and prosperity.
Illiyasu’s remarks highlighted the role of community leadership and collective participation in addressing local challenges, particularly where government infrastructure and services remain inadequate.
A former supervisor for tourism in Badagry Local Government, Hon. Hunsu Oluwasegun Olatunji, also praised Alukete’s leadership, describing him as a traditional ruler whose contributions has positively affected the community.
Olatunji said the Baale has supported several development initiatives, including road grading and the creation of communal spaces where residents, particularly young people, could gather and interact.However, he called for government intervention to address the community’s remaining challenges.
He identified the need for a primary healthcare centre, a mini police post, improved electricity supply and better roads as pressing priorities. According to him, the community requires government assistance to construct the road linking Gbagodo to Igbari and Aradagun, which he said would improve accessibility and support development.
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