In a strategic move to prepare Ijebu-Ode for the globally anticipated Ojude Oba Festival and address years of infrastructural neglect, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday said 16 of the 22 road projects initiated by his administration in the city have now been completed.
The governor, who spoke at the official commissioning of the Awokoya-Igbeba-Yidi Road in Ijebu-Ode, said the ongoing construction efforts were not only to ease traffic and enhance safety but also to project the city’s cultural relevance to international audiences.
“These roads are not just for cars. They are lifelines for trade, safety, tourism, and community pride. Since 2019, we’ve awarded 22 roads in Ijebu-Ode, and as of today, 16 are fully completed, while six are still under active construction,” the governor declared.
He noted that the dilapidated condition of the roads—especially Yidi Road—posed consistent dangers to commuters and contributed to seasonal flooding, which had plagued the town for years.
According to him, immediate action was necessary to prevent further loss of lives and property.
“When we visited Ijebu-Ode after assuming office, the level of erosion and the trauma it caused residents was alarming. I promised we would rewrite that story—and we have,” Abiodun added.
The road commissioning was timed weeks ahead of the Ojude Oba cultural festival, which has grown from a regional celebration into a national tourism attraction.
Governor Abiodun assured residents that this year’s edition would be “eventful and world-class.”
“We’ve elevated Ojude Oba to an international standard, and we are determined to sustain that status,” he said.
Ijebu-Ode Emerging as Cultural, Economic Nerve Centre
With the successful hosting of the National Sports Festival and a steady rise in economic activities, the governor maintained that Ogun State is no longer just the industrial and educational capital of Nigeria, but now also its cultural hub.
“This transformation is powered by the ‘can-do’ spirit of our people. It’s that same energy we’re investing back into infrastructure—to drive tourism, economy, and education,” he said.
Former Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, praised the governor’s responsiveness, recalling how the road had for years subjected motorists to distress.
“We suffered here. But Governor Abiodun has done what others failed to do. We’re grateful,” she stated.
Similarly, Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo, who represents Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, and Ijebu North East at the National Assembly, described the governor’s work as “people-focused.”
“In six years, we have witnessed a turnaround. This road project is another testament to a government that listens,” he said.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the roads were previously in dire shape, with poor drainage and exposure to flooding.
“These reconstructions will save homes, save lives, and ease daily movement,” he assured.
Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, also commended the even spread of infrastructure projects across the state. “No region is being left behind. It’s the first time we are seeing this level of fairness,” he said.
