APC Raises Safety Concerns Over Osun Flyover in Challenge to Adeleke

OSOGBO, NIGERIA NEWS 247 – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent directive to restrict heavy-duty trucks from using the Olaiya Flyover in Osogbo, labeling the move as unnecessary and demanding evidence to support claims of the bridge’s safety concerns.

During a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, selected APC leaders expressed their apprehension about the governor’s decision, suggesting that it may be part of a broader agenda by the current administration. Governor Adeleke had instructed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to prevent heavy-duty trucks from traversing the bridge, citing safety concerns based on technical reports regarding its condition.

In response, former Osun State Commissioner for Works, Oluremi Omowaiye, emphasized that the Olaiya Flyover was constructed following rigorous evaluation processes, including environmental impact assessments and traffic studies. He challenged the Adeleke administration to present a technical report demonstrating that the bridge is substandard.

Omowaiye, who currently serves as Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority, recalled that during his tenure under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, the project was overseen with careful consideration of its structural integrity and cultural significance. He noted, “Before work would commence on the project, we conducted thorough assessments. We identified that the solution to traffic congestion was to construct a flyover.”

He also pointed out that the bridge was designed to include features that reflected the cultural heritage of Osogbo, such as fish sculptures, dancing fountains, solar lights, and surveillance cameras. Expressing his dismay over the governor’s remarks, Omowaiye remarked on the current neglect of the area, stating that solar lights were non-functional and the surroundings appeared dirty and abandoned. However, he insisted that these issues do not compromise the structural integrity of the flyover.

“We’re not against the government taking necessary actions, but state resources belong to the people of Osun, and they should be managed wisely. We cannot allow political motives to dictate the demolition of the Olaiya Flyover. I challenge any engineer claiming the bridge has faults to present a report with their professional credentials,” he asserted.

In defense of Adeleke’s decision, Oladele Bamiji, the Director of Media for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, stated that the governor acted on concerns raised by motorists about the bridge’s condition. He noted that a lawmaker had introduced a motion in the Osun State House of Assembly regarding the deteriorating state of the flyover, reinforcing that Adeleke’s actions were motivated by the need to safeguard public safety rather than political interests.

Bamiji emphasized, “Adeleke is not interested in undermining anyone’s legacy. The safety of Osun’s residents is paramount, and if he fails to act, he would be criticized. The decision to restrict access to the bridge is based on legitimate safety concerns expressed by the public.”

The ongoing debate highlights the tensions between the APC and PDP in Osun State, as both parties navigate the implications of infrastructure safety and governance.