The Ogun State Government has dismissed claims that it should be held responsible for the tragic death of Prof. Oladipo Ademuyiwa, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver along the Wole Soyinka-Kemta-Idi-Aba-Somorin road.
In a statement signed by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor in Abeokuta, the state capital, the government described such accusations as unfair and misleading, emphasizing that the road in question is one of the numerous infrastructural projects undertaken to enhance transportation and ensure public safety.
The government pointed out that before the road was rehabilitated, residents had repeatedly called for its repair, and now that it has been reconstructed with necessary safety measures, it is unjust to blame the administration for an incident caused by a reckless motorist.
“The 7.3 km road is one of over 700 kilometers of roads rehabilitated or constructed across the state for the use of residents and commuters alike by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration”.
“Apart from ensuring that these roads meet international standards, we have installed speed breakers and other safety measures to protect lives and properties,” the statement read.
Addressing the circumstances surrounding Prof. Ademuyiwa’s death, the government clarified that the professor was a victim of a driver who flouted traffic rules. It reiterated that while it deeply sympathizes with his family, friends, and colleagues, accountability should rest with the reckless driver rather than the state.
“Just last December, in response to the calls of the communities in the area, the government installed a total of 11 speed breakers in addition to the one earlier installed on the road. This is apart from other relevant road signs strategically placed to guide drivers and commuters,” the statement added.
The government also called for increased awareness among road users, urging stakeholders to intensify sensitization on the importance of obeying traffic laws to prevent similar tragedies.
“While we deeply sympathize with the family, colleagues, and community members of the late Prof. Ademuyiwa, we urge all relevant stakeholders to embark on sensitization of all categories of road users, particularly motorists, on the importance of obeying traffic rules and regulations across the state at all times,” the statement emphasized.
