Group Questions Quality of Oyo Roads, Compares Makinde Projects with Umahi’s Federal Highway Works
The Oyo Development Forum (ODF), an advocacy group, has raised concerns over the quality and durability of some road projects executed by the Oyo State Government, drawing comparisons with ongoing federal road construction projects supervised by the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
In a statement issued by its Coordinator, Alade Adebisi, the group described the ongoing Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan Expressway project as one of the most durable road infrastructure projects currently under construction in Oyo State, while questioning the standards of several roads built by the state government.
According to the group, a comparison between the federal highway project and roads executed 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 specifically cited the Circular Road project, claiming that parts of the road are wearing out even before its official commissioning.
“The Circular Road that has not been commissioned is already wearing off. That is why people are being prevented from using certain sections,” the group alleged.
The forum also expressed 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 appeared to prioritise completion timelines over long-term durability and sustainability.
According to ODF, roads being constructed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works are likely to have a longer lifespan than several 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 Seyi Makinde and Works Minister David Umahi over aspects of federal road projects, alleging that the minister’s approach to infrastructure delivery has highlighted what it described as 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.
The Oyo State Government had not responded to the claims as of the time of filing this report.