Aiyedatiwa Justifies Akure Flyover Project

Ondo State governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has defended the construction of the Akure flyover, which stretches from Adegbola on Oba Adesida Road to St. Matthias.

He said the project was necessary despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier admonition to governors against spending public resources on unnecessary flyovers.

Tinubu had cautioned governors to channel resources towards initiatives that would improve the welfare and living conditions of citizens.

However, at the flag-off of the 2.38-kilometre Akure flyover, Aiyedatiwa said the project was justified by the heavy traffic and economic importance of the corridor.

He stressed that it should not be interpreted as contrary to the President’s position.
Aiyedatiwa said the Oyemekun off Oba Adesida axis was one of the busiest arteries of Akure, the state capital, connecting major markets, financial institutions, educational institutions, places of worship and densely populated residential areas.

According to him, increasing population, vehicular movement and expanding commercial activities had created persistent congestion and heightened the risk of road accidents along the corridor, making the government ‘s intervention necessary.

‎“Mr President said governors should not erect flyovers where they are unnecessary. This one is more than necessary, and that is why we are doing it. Do not quote Mr President out of context,” Aiyedatiwa said. ‎ ‎

The governor said the project, which stretches from Adegbola Junction to St. Matthias/NNPC Filling Station, was conceived after careful planning, critical appraisal and extensive stakeholder engagement. ‎ ‎He said the completed flyover and associated road improvements would ease congestion at critical points, particularly Adegbola, Oba Adesida and Alagbaka, while shortening travel time, reducing vehicle operating costs and improving air quality. ‎ ‎

Aiyedatiwa also thanked President Tinubu for his economic reforms, which he said had enabled states to access increased funds from the Federation Account, adding that the improved revenue had contributed to the state’s ability to embark on the project. ‎

‎He charged the contractors with delivering the project according to specifications, budget, and schedule, while maintaining high standards of professionalism, quality, safety, and integrity. ‎ ‎

The governor appealed to residents, traders, transport unions and other stakeholders along the corridor to bear with the temporary inconveniences that would arise from traffic diversions and disruptions during the construction phase. ‎ ‎He said the project was part of his administration’s urban renewal and infrastructure development agenda, aimed at repositioning Akure as a more efficient, competitive and investor-friendly capital city. ‎