Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A resident of Irele in Ondo State has sparked widespread outrage after a video of him criticising the construction of a wooden bridge in the community went viral, questioning its safety and durability. In the footage, which has been circulating on social media since Sunday, the unidentified man expressed frustration over what he described as the government's failure to construct a concrete bridge, asking how cars would pass through a wooden structure.
“You can't even construct a concrete bridge, how will cars pass through this wooden bridge?” the resident was heard saying in the video, which has since attracted thousands of views and comments from Nigerians across the country.
The wooden bridge project, which is yet to be officially identified by the state government, has drawn sharp criticism from residents who argue that it is inadequate for vehicular traffic and poses a serious safety risk, particularly during the rainy season when flooding is common in the riverine areas of Ondo State. Irele, located in the southern part of the state, is part of the coastal region that has historically faced challenges with infrastructure, including roads and bridges that are often submerged or washed away by floods.
The viral video has ignited a heated debate on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the government's commitment to providing durable infrastructure. Some users expressed sympathy with the resident, while others called on the Ondo State Government to address the concerns raised by the community. “This is a disgrace. In 2026, we are still building wooden bridges. Where is the money for infrastructure?” one user commented. Another wrote: “The government must come out and explain why a wooden bridge is being constructed in a community that deserves a proper concrete structure.”
As of the time of this report, the Ondo State Government had not issued an official response to the video or the allegations raised by the resident. However, the incident has reignited conversations about the quality of infrastructure in the state's riverine communities, where residents have long complained of neglect and poor project execution. In 2018, the Ilaje Advancement Forum had similarly kicked against the construction of wooden walkways and jetties by the state government, demanding instead "modern concrete bridges and walkways as obtainable in civilised countries."
The viral video of the Irele resident has once again brought this long-standing grievance to the forefront, as the community awaits a response from the authorities on whether the wooden bridge is a temporary measure or a permanent solution.
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