6th Sept, 2026
Building flyovers across Nigerian state capitals and major urban centers serves as a core strategy for modernizing traffic systems, reducing gridlock, and driving physical urban renewal. Recent state-led initiatives—such as multi-bridge developments are aim to transform travel efficiency and stimulate local commerce.
The Ondo State Government’s recent announcement of a 2.38km flyover from Adegbola Junction to St. Mathias, Alagbaka, a project many considered long overdue in the capital city of Ondo State, unfortunate for some critics, rather than praising the governor, they result into total condemnation of the flyover, describing it, as another white elephant project in the state.
Taking stock of all the states in the South West Nigeria, Akure is the only state capital lacking in the era of multiple flyovers; in our neighboring Ekiti State, Ado Ekiti has two Flyovers, projects executed by the past and present governors of the state, to ease traffic congestion in the state capital.
When critics begin to condemn the legacy project, the question to ask are: Does Akure deserves modernity or not like other states of the federation? Is there a traffic congestion along Oba Adesida Road that deserves Flyover? Of what benefits is the flyover to road users?
Ondo State is one of the states with huge federal allocation, aside IGR and 13 percent oil derivation, yet, the state of development is low while compared with the resources accruing into the state. Ekiti State which was carved out of Ondo State is today far developed in terms of infrastructure and modernity. And if a visionary governor like Aiyedatiwa is taking a bold step to change the infrastructure decays in the state, what he deserves is commendation and not condemnation.
Akure deserves the urban renewal, modern facelift and every infrastructure that can make it competes with other states capital in Nigeria.
Akure flyover project is a landmark infrastructure that every right thinking residents of the state capital should embrace, regardless of intense public debate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ignored side talk with the flag off of the first flyover in the heart of Akure City.
Opinions might defers on government policies and programmes but such must be done with sincerity of purpose and not the other way round. Those hailing the bridge as historic milestones easing severe traffic congestion, know better, while critics question the timing and allocation of public funds amid competing economic needs, are either doing so genuinely or otherwise.
Before the governor intervention, a lot of people have been calling the attention of government to gridlock at the Oja Oba Axis of Oba Adesida Road; past governments in the state have come up with different interventions to no avail. Governor Akeredolu erected a wall many destribed as “Odi Jericho”, a wall that did not only divide Akure into two but also inflicted pains on the users of the road, yet, the traffic was heavy.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s permanent solution of ending the gridlock is by building flyover to reduce gridlock, intersection conflicts, and accident risks, this is example of a caring heart leader.
Chief Reuben Fasoranti Flyover at Onyarugbulem was the first overhead bridge in Akure since the state was created in 1976, no past governors thought it wise to build Flyover until late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu approved the construction of the first Flyover, of which was completed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The ongoing Oba Adesida Flyover represents a symbolic and physical modernization of the state capital, improved connectivity attracts external investors and facilitates smoother commercial transport.
Arguments raised by Critics that funds could yield higher, more immediate returns if directed toward rural roads, industrialization, agricultural revival, or SME support rather than capital-intensive urban monuments miss the vision of a governor, who is critical of urban renewal.
To the Critics, at the flagging off of the project, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the intervention was designed to provide a modern transport solution that would improve mobility, safety and the movement of people and goods along one of Akure’s busiest corridors.
The Oyemekun–Oba Adesida axis is a major commercial, administrative and social artery linking markets, financial institutions, schools, places of worship and densely populated residential areas.
“It is the corridor through which the economic life of Akure pulses daily. Yet, with growth has come considerable strain. Increasing population, rising vehicular movement and expanding commercial activities have created persistent congestion and heightened the risk of road accidents,”
Aside being a legacy project, the project when completed would have stopped the problem of congestion which had affected productivity, discouraged investment and compromised residents’ safety and well-being.
The project would strengthen Akure’s position as a competitive, investor-friendly capital capable of attracting businesses, retaining talent and creating opportunities for young people.
The gestation period for the contract execution will no doubt bring hardship to the user of the road-residents, traders, transport unions and others, stakeholders should cooperate with the government and contractor during construction period.
This is a moment to support a visionary and focused Governor who is determined to modernise Akure and provide infrastructure capable of supporting enterprise, productivity and inclusive economic development.
Ojaoba–Adesida Road was constructed as a major township road around 1974 in the then Western State and converted to a dual carriageway in 1978. In 2001, the administration of Dr Olusegun Mimiko expanded it from 7.3 metres to 9.3 metres, since then, no major construction had taken place along the corridor, despite rising traffic and population.
The time for a new facelift for our dear state capital has come and Akure residents should remain grateful to Governor Aiyedatiwa for the numerous projects executed in the city and across the state. Constuctive Criticism is good but destructive ones should not be entertained, notwithstanding who is making such argument. I wish my Governor more services to the people of Ondo State.
Barr Kolawole Alonge, a former SSA Writes from Akure.
