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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed concern over the neglect of roads in Ile-Ife and the abandonment of several infrastructure projects by previous administrations. He stated that the cultural capital of the Yoruba people deserves top-quality roads.
During an inspection of the Lagere Flyover in Ile-Ife yesterday, Adeleke emphasised his administration’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure in Ile-Ife and other major towns in the state to stimulate economic development.
He vowed to continue with ongoing projects despite the seizure of local government allocations, which has hindered the completion of critical initiatives. “Ile-Ife’s infrastructure projects are designed to transform the state into an economic hub and a tourism capital of the Southwest,” he said, urging contractors and state officials to be diligent in their work.
“I am pleased to see the rapid progress made in our efforts to modernise and upgrade Ile-Ife, the cultural capital of the Yoruba people. Many have doubted our ambitious plans for development, but we must think big and deliver the best infrastructure and services to our people,” Adeleke asserted.
He criticised the history of abandoned projects and misappropriated funds, stating, “We are committed to ensuring that state resources benefit the people of Osun. This mantra of ‘state money for state development’ is being realised in Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Osogbo, Ede, Ila-Orangun, Iwo, and other areas of the state.”
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Adeleke announced that the Ile-Ife flyover, along with adjacent dualisation, is nearing completion. “We have proven wrong those who doubted our sincerity and ridiculed the notion that funds would be diverted for personal enrichment, as has happened in the past,” he noted.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the flyover, which connects Osun East to Osun West, Ijeshaland, and Ondo State through Garage Olode. “This flyover is not just an infrastructure project; it is the foundation for creating an economic hub,” he explained.
Recognising Ile-Ife’s tourism potential, Adeleke stated, “In our creative economy agenda, Ile-Ife holds a prime position. As the cradle of the Yoruba nation, it deserves comprehensive infrastructure upgrades to attract multibillion-dollar tourism opportunities in the future.”
In addition to the flyover and dualised roads, Adeleke mentioned that several internal roads have been reconstructed in Ile-Ife. He highlighted completed projects, including the Iredunmi–Oke Ijan Road, Oriyangi–St. John’s Road, and several others, as examples of equitable governance. He said ongoing projects, such as the Edunabon–Tonkere Road, are also part of the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure across the state.
