Abiodun Faults Past Administrations Over Neglect of Key Ogun Road Corridors
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has criticised previous administrations for abandoning the Alagbole–Akute–Ajuwon–Agbado–Ijoko axis in Ifo Local Government despite the area’s strategic economic value.
Speaking on Thursday while commissioning the newly reconstructed Akute–Ajuwon–Alagbole road, Governor Abiodun described the milestone as a major boost to the socio-economic development of both the community and the state.
The governor announced plans to award contracts for eleven additional roads across Ogun State as part of ongoing efforts to expand road infrastructure and improve accessibility for residents and businesses. He noted that the project was a direct response to the prolonged appeals from residents who had endured years of hardship due to failed roads.
Abiodun highlighted that several adjoining roads within the corridor had already been rehabilitated or reconstructed. These include Alhaji Kosoko Road, which links Denro–Ishasi–Akute; Segun Osoba Road; Toyin Street; and Yakoyo–Alagbole Road. According to him, the Hercules–Oke Aro–Giwa road—once in deplorable condition—is now fully completed and awaiting commissioning.
Explaining the broader scope of the reconstruction, the governor said the Akute–Ajuwon–Alagbole road is part of a connected network linking multiple communities. He added that work is advancing on the Akute–Lanbe–Oke Aro–Agbado–Ijoko–Sango road network, noting that his predecessor abandoned the 17-kilometre Akute–Sango dual carriageway, which left the route impassable for years.
“We have broken it into two phases,” he said. “The first phase covers 9.7 kilometres, stretching beyond the Agbado Train Station, and is currently under construction. The second phase, which extends to Sango, will be awarded shortly.”
Abiodun revealed that the newly commissioned projects include the 1.5-kilometre Alagbole–Ajuwon road and the 4.5-kilometre Akute–Ajuwon road. He assured residents that the Alagbole–Akute road would be ready within two to three weeks and would be commissioned alongside the Hercules road before the new year.
He further explained that the ongoing work in Ifo II is part of a broader infrastructure initiative covering Ifo I and II within the Ogun Central Senatorial District. Other completed or current projects include the Sango–Ijoko–Agbado road, Adesan road in Obafemi Owode, Magboro–Makogi road, Elega–Isaje–Miliki–Bode–Olude Extension, Oke–Lantoro–Yidi Lane, and the Sango–Abeokuta road.
Abiodun emphasised that these projects fall under the state’s Urban Renewal Programme, which aligns with the ISEYA mantra—covering roads, healthcare, education, security, and human capital development.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting states in boosting infrastructural development and thanked the people of Ifo for their patience throughout the reconstruction process.
Hon. Fola Salami, representing Ifo II in the Ogun State House of Assembly, said past governments had neglected the axis for too long, adding that the newly completed road signifies the real dividends of democracy.
The Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Mr. Lekan Kusimo, also highlighted that residents and businesses had suffered for over two decades due to the poor state of the roads and expressed relief that the narrative had finally changed.
Community representative, Alhaji Bashiru Akande, thanked the governor for keeping his promise, while the Odofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade, applauded the government for completing the road at a crucial time.
The State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, added that the road will greatly ease transportation challenges and stimulate commercial growth in the area. He urged residents to maintain the road by keeping it clean and avoiding the dumping of refuse in the drains.
