FG Approves N600bn Osun Road Projects as Adegboyega Oyetola Gains Credit, Lawmakers Criticise Ademola Adeleke
FG Approves N600bn Osun Road Projects as Adegboyega Oyetola Gains Credit, Lawmakers Criticise Ademola Adeleke
The Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstruction of key road projects in Osun State, marking a significant boost to infrastructure development in the region. The newly approved projects include the 59.2km Osogbo–Akoda–Gbongan road and the Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan road, bringing the total number of ongoing federal road projects in the state to three, with a combined value exceeding N600 billion.
This development builds on the earlier approval of the 103km Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa dual carriageway, a N427 billion project that has now been re-awarded and mobilised to site after initial delays. The project has drawn commendation from stakeholders, particularly in Ijesaland, who praised the commitment of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for facilitating federal intervention and ensuring sustained engagement with relevant authorities, including the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
Traditional rulers, including the Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, described the Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan road approval as a major catalyst for economic growth across Osun and neighbouring Oyo State. The monarch, speaking on behalf of over 35 traditional rulers, acknowledged Oyetola’s role in advancing the project, noting that the road remains a critical economic corridor linking multiple communities and boosting regional trade.
However, the approvals have also reignited political controversy, with federal lawmakers criticising Governor Ademola Adeleke over what they described as misplaced priorities. The lawmakers accused the state government of abandoning the Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan road project shortly after assuming office, despite its economic importance, while shifting focus to other initiatives including the controversial airport project.
According to the lawmakers, during a 2024 engagement with the Federal Ministry of Works, the state government allegedly prioritised requests for refunds on previously executed projects in select areas rather than pushing for federal takeover of critical inter-state roads. They commended Oyetola’s intervention in ensuring the re-award and funding of the road projects, insisting that the development ultimately serves the broader interest of Osun residents.
Meanwhile, political tensions have intensified as the Osun State Government and its supporters attempt to claim credit for the federal approvals. These claims have been strongly disputed by opposition figures and observers, who argue that the projects were largely driven by federal efforts and sustained advocacy by key stakeholders. The debate underscores ongoing political rivalry in the state as infrastructure development becomes a central issue in public discourse.
