Key points
- Osun Gov. Ademola Adeleke inaugurated the first flyover in Ile-Ife at Lagere Junction.
- He also commissioned the dualised Mayfair Roundabout and Palace Junction Road.
- The projects were designed to ease traffic congestion and improve movement in the ancient city.
- Adeleke urged residents and political supporters to shun violence before, during and after the Aug. 15 governorship election.
- Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, commended the governor for executing the projects, describing them as unprecedented in the city.
- The Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola, also praised Adeleke’s administration for addressing development requests from stakeholders.
Main Story
Osun Gov. Ademola Adeleke on Monday inaugurated the first flyover in Ile-Ife, located at Lagere Junction, as part of his administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and ease traffic congestion in the ancient city.
Adeleke also inaugurated the dualisation of Mayfair Roundabout and Palace Junction Road in Ile-Ife.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the flyover was flagged off in May 2024 and constructed to ease traffic congestion around the busy Lagere axis.
The inauguration came days before the Aug. 15 governorship election, with Adeleke using the occasion to appeal to residents, political parties and their supporters to embrace peace throughout the electoral process.
He urged voters to exercise their franchise peacefully and allow their votes to determine the outcome of the election, while also encouraging them to remain vigilant and monitor the distribution of electoral materials from polling units to collation centres.
Adeleke said his administration had deliberately avoided retaliatory actions despite alleged provocations from political opponents, stressing that peace and stability remained important to the development of the state.
The Issues
The major issues surrounding the development are traffic congestion, infrastructure deficits and the need to sustain peaceful democratic participation ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship election.
While the newly inaugurated infrastructure is expected to improve traffic flow and connectivity in Ile-Ife, the governor also emphasised the responsibility of residents to protect the peace and ensure that the electoral process is not disrupted by violence.
What’s Being Said
Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun
“Don’t fight them. Use your vote to speak. Be vigilant and monitor the electoral process. Our victory will be determined by the people and God.”
Adeleke also assured residents that his administration would continue to deliver developmental projects across the state.
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife
The Ooni commended Adeleke for what he described as a transformation of Ile-Ife through the construction of the flyover and the dualisation of the road leading to the palace.
“I thanked the governor for this road and bridge which we have never seen before. The governor surprised us and uplifted Ile-Ife.”
The traditional ruler, who described himself as a father to all political interests, said public officials who performed well deserved commendation irrespective of their political affiliations.
Oba Joseph Toriola, Ogunsua of Modakeke
The Ogunsua also commended Adeleke for paying attention to the development of Modakeke and addressing several requests presented by stakeholders.
“We want more of you, Mr Governor. We want you to continue in office. Our people are ready to further show support for you.”
What’s Next
With the flyover and road projects now inaugurated, the focus will shift to their impact on traffic movement and connectivity within Ile-Ife.
Beyond infrastructure, attention will also turn to the Aug. 15 governorship election, with the governor calling on residents and political actors to maintain peace and ensure that the electoral process is conducted without violence.
Bottom Line
The inauguration of Ile-Ife’s first flyover and other road projects marks a major infrastructure milestone for the ancient city, while Adeleke’s appeal for peaceful participation highlights the importance of protecting the electoral process as Osun prepares for its Aug. 15 governorship election.
