Akure Flyover: Aiyedatiwa Moves to End Traffic Gridlock, Boost Economy
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has described the newly flagged-off 2.38-kilometre flyover along the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida Road corridor in Akure as a strategic infrastructure project that will reposition the state capital for economic growth and investment.
The governor spoke on Monday while flagging off the construction of the 94-span flyover, which will run from Adegbola Junction through Ojaoba and Adegbemile-Omieja to St Mathias/NNPC Filling Station in Alagbaka.
Aiyedatiwa said the project was conceived to tackle persistent traffic congestion, improve mobility and safety, and facilitate the movement of people and goods along one of the busiest commercial and administrative corridors in Akure.
He described the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida axis as a major commercial, administrative and social artery connecting markets, financial institutions, schools, places of worship and densely populated residential communities.
According to him, increasing population, rising vehicular traffic and expanding commercial activities have placed considerable pressure on the corridor, resulting in prolonged congestion, increased travel time and heightened risks to road users.
“This is the corridor through which the economic life of Akure pulses daily. Yet, with growth has come considerable strain,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa said the flyover and associated road improvements would ease congestion around Adegbola, Oba Adesida and Alagbaka, while reducing travel time, vehicle operating costs and air pollution associated with prolonged traffic delays.
He added that the project would strengthen Akure’s position as a competitive and investor-friendly capital capable of attracting businesses, retaining talent and creating opportunities for young people.
“When traders at Oba Adesida Market can move their goods with ease, when students can get to school on time, when patients can reach hospitals without delay, and when workers can return home safely, then we would have succeeded in translating policy into tangible benefits,” he said.
The governor said the project followed careful planning, technical appraisal and extensive stakeholder engagement, adding that it reflected his administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal management and the execution of projects with clear and measurable benefits.
He urged the contractor to execute the project according to approved designs, specifications and timelines, while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and professionalism.
Aiyedatiwa also appealed to residents, traders, transport unions and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government and contractor during construction.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, said the flyover had become necessary because the road corridor was operating about 50 per cent above its design capacity.
Olawoye said the ministry considered several options for addressing the congestion before settling on the flyover as the most practical solution.
He explained that the Ojaoba–Oba Adesida Road was originally constructed as a major township road around 1974 in the then Western State and converted to a dual carriageway in 1978.
According to him, the administration of Dr Olusegun Mimiko expanded the road from 7.3 metres to 9.3 metres in 2001, but no major construction had been undertaken along the corridor since then despite the growth in population and vehicular traffic.
He said the government opted for a flyover to minimise extensive demolition of properties along the corridor.
Olawoye disclosed that the structure would be about 2.4 kilometres long, comprising a 320-metre starting ramp and a 200-metre ending ramp at Adegbola and Omieja A Division, giving a combined ramp length of about 520 metres.
The commissioner also highlighted several completed and ongoing road projects across Akure and other parts of the Central Senatorial District as evidence of the administration’s infrastructure drive.
Among the completed projects in Akure, he listed Ajegunle Road; Odopetun–Oke Padi–Lao Road; Gbangbalogun–Odole–Odi Olowo Road; Bye-pass–Gbogi Street; UBA Road–The Stream in Alagbaka; Oja Oshodi Road; SK Bright Road; Ayeloro Road; Akosile Road; Maronu Road; Plaza Road; Bishop Court–Civil Service Commission Road; Site–Government House–CBN Road; Igoba Road; selected roads in Ajipowo Estate; selected roads in Afunbiowo Estate; and Alagbaka Extension–SIB Road.
He said ongoing projects in the Central Senatorial District included the 15.5km Imafon–Danjuma Road, 10km Oke Aro–Idanre dual carriageway and 7.7km Akure–Ijare Road, among others.
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said residents of Akure remained grateful to the governor for projects executed across the city and the state.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, commended Aiyedatiwa for the flyover and reconstruction of adjoining roads, saying the projects would improve movement and address major transportation challenges in the city.
Also speaking, the Owa Araromi Omoladan, Oba Jayeoba Bamidele Alabi, praised the governor for his infrastructure development efforts across the state.
The Managing Director of Bulletin Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, whose company is handling the project, assured the governor that the contractor would deliver according to specifications and within the agreed timeframe.
Harb recalled the company’s involvement in the expansion of Ilesha Garage Road about two decades ago, noting that the flyover project marked its second major project in Ondo State.
He promised to minimise disruption to residents and businesses during construction.
“We work day and night to make sure we deliver this project,” Harb said.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Chief Olusegun Odusanya; State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon Kolawole Babatunde; members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, LCDA chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political appointees, permanent secretaries and other dignitaries.
