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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defended his administration’s road projects, saying the state government should not be expected to divert its resources to repair federal roads.
Adeleke spoke on Tuesday at the ARISE News Town Hall in Osogbo while responding to concerns over the condition of some federal roads in the state, including the road leading into Ile-Ife.
The governor said responsibility for federal roads rested with the Federal Government, adding that his administration had already undertaken several federal road projects without receiving payment.
“Please, leave federal roads,” Adeleke said.
He explained that the state had spent its resources on roads under its jurisdiction rather than abandoning its own infrastructure to take over federal responsibilities.
“I’ve done about eight, nine. Up to now, I’ve not been paid,” he said, referring to federal road projects undertaken by his administration.
Adeleke said he had raised the issue with the Minister of Works and was seeking reimbursement for the projects carried out by the state.
According to the governor, his administration had constructed about 350 kilometres of roads across Osun State.
“If you come to Osun, you’ll see that I’ve constructed about 350 kilometres of roads,” Adeleke said.
He highlighted several projects he said had addressed longstanding infrastructure problems, including the road linking Otoyegbaju and Iresi, which he claimed had been abandoned for about 45 years.
“As I’m talking to you, that road is fixed. Fantastic road,” he said.
Adeleke also cited the Tokere Road project, which he said had been abandoned for about 25 years before his administration intervened.
He argued that improving roads within Osun was essential because of the state’s agricultural economy and the need to improve connectivity between communities.
“Because in Osun State we are farmers. If we don’t have good roads, how are we going to have connectivity?” he asked.
The governor maintained that questions about federal roads should be directed to the Federal Government, while his administration should be assessed on its performance in developing roads under the state’s responsibility.
