An advocacy group, the Oyo Development Forum (ODF), has compared road projects executed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, with the ongoing federal road construction supervised by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, alleging significant differences in quality, durability and construction standards.
In a statement issued by its Coordinator, Alade Adebisi, the group described the ongoing Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan Expressway project as the most durable road infrastructure currently under construction in Oyo State, while expressing concerns over the condition of several state government road projects.
According to the group, a comparison between the federal project and roads constructed by the Oyo State Government reveals noticeable differences in thickness, reinforcement materials and overall construction quality.
“The only quality road project we have seen in Oyo State in the last seven years is the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan Expressway. People should compare the stretch from Ajia Junction to Iwo Road with roads being executed by the state government. The thickness and reinforcement materials are not the same,” the statement said.
ODF alleged that some state government road projects are already showing signs of deterioration despite being relatively new. The group cited the Circular Road project, claiming that portions of the road are already wearing off even before its official commissioning.
According to the group, “The Circular Road that has not been commissioned is already wearing off. That is why people are being prevented from using certain sections.”
The forum also raised concerns over the condition of the Olorunsogo-Ilaji road corridor, which it claimed has become increasingly difficult for motorists to navigate due to deterioration and traffic congestion.
“Olorunsogo to Ilaji is no longer motorable. There is traffic everywhere. At Ajia, where a bridge is being constructed, the road has been cut off and motorists are facing difficulties,” the statement added.
The group further alleged that many roads constructed under the current administration were executed with emphasis on completion rather than long-term durability.
According to ODF, roads being constructed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works are likely to outlast many of the projects undertaken by the state government.
“The road being handled by the minister will last longer than what the present government is doing. It is not just about constructing roads; it is about building roads that can stand the test of time,” the statement said.
The forum also referenced reported disagreements between Governor Makinde and Works Minister David Umahi over aspects of federal road projects, alleging that the minister’s approach to infrastructure delivery has exposed weaknesses in the state’s road construction standards.
“Umahi has proved that Makinde is a failure when it comes to road quality. That is why the Federal Government did not allow him to handle the Ibadan axis of the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan Expressway project,” the group alleged.
