Ogun Roads Debate Assessing Abiodun’s Achievements Amid Political Criticism
The debate surrounding road infrastructure in Ogun State has intensified, with critics claiming that most roads are in poor condition and supporters countering that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s achievements far outweigh the noise of political opponents. As Yoruba wisdom says, “If a lie travels for 20 years, truth will catch it in a day,” a proverb many believe reflects the current political climate in Ogun State.
According to supporters of the administration, despite what they describe as a coordinated attempt by political detractors to discredit his work, Governor Abiodun has consistently delivered across major sectors port development, aviation, road construction, rail expansion, education, healthcare, and investment promotion. He inherited a state riddled with dilapidated roads, chaotic transportation, and infrastructural neglect, yet critics who contributed to the underdevelopment now allegedly lead campaigns against him.
Over the past six years, Ogun has reportedly experienced steady and visible road construction activities. The government has often taken on federal road projects to alleviate the suffering of residents, despite the bureaucratic hurdles involved. One major example is the Sagamu Interchange Abeokuta road, once a dangerous and time-consuming route. The state reconstructed it into a dual carriageway, reducing travel time from two hours to about 20 minutes. Other significant interventions include the Atan–Agbara–Lusada road and the Epe–Mojoda corridor.
The governor also pushed for improvements on the long-neglected Abeokuta–Sango–Ota road, even performing palliative work when federal approval was initially denied. Today, with support from President Bola Tinubu, full reconstruction efforts are underway.
Abiodun’s administration maintains that development has been evenly spread across all 20 local government areas. However, detractors allegedly mobilize groups to portray the entire state as neglected, circulating selective images of bad roads. Residents in communities like Magboro, Arepo, Ajuwon, and Akute testify that previously deplorable roads in their areas have been transformed. The government argues that many of the roads now attracting criticism were abandoned or poorly executed by past administrations, some of which demolished communities under the guise of massive expansion projects that never materialized.
Supporters also point to Ogun’s current social and political stability, contrasting it with past administrations that faced intense political turmoil, violence, and public tension. They argue that the relative peace during Abiodun’s tenure is a sign of good governance, even as political opponents attempt to sow discord ahead of future elections.
Beyond roads, the government highlights broader achievements: increasing the state’s GDP from N3.5 trillion to N16 trillion, attracting industries, targeting N500 billion in IGR, establishing a world-class airport, partnering with international investors like CteeC for power and industrial development, enhancing agricultural production, improving healthcare facilities, and boosting school enrollment. Major transport innovations, including the extension of Lagos’ Red and Blue Rail Lines into Ogun, are also in progress.
Since critics frequently spotlight road issues, the administration released a long list of completed and ongoing projects across Ogun Central, Ogun East, and Ogun West. These include roads in Idi-Aba, Ake, Somorin, Arepo, Panseke, Ilisan, Iperu, Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo, Sagamu, Ilaro, Ipokia, Imeko, Yewa South, and numerous others spanning hundreds of kilometres and touching nearly every major community.
While the political back-and-forth continues, the central question persists: has the administration done enough, or are critics highlighting real challenges? Regardless of political alignment, the controversy underscores the importance of infrastructure development as a key determinant of public confidence in governance.
