Osun APC, PDP Dispute Over Olaiya Flyover Safety Directive

Compiled by OGBOMOLA BOLADALE  E

The Polytechnic Ile-Ife, Osun State

The political climate in Osun State has intensified following a directive by the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, which barred heavy-duty trucks from accessing the Olaiya Flyover in Osogbo due to safety concerns. This directive has sparked a heated exchange between the state’s two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Governor Adeleke’s decision, which was based on technical reports highlighting potential risks, was communicated through a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement emphasized that the ban was necessary to prevent potential accidents and safeguard the structure of the flyover.

The APC, however, has questioned the governor’s directive, labeling it unnecessary and demanding substantial proof to back the claims about the bridge’s safety. During a press conference held in Osogbo, APC leaders hinted that the safety concerns raised might be a precursor to a larger political agenda. They firmly defended the construction of the Olaiya Flyover, stating that it was built with the highest quality standards under the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

Former Commissioner for Works, Oluremi Omowaiye, spoke on behalf of the APC, asserting that the flyover had undergone rigorous assessments at every stage of its development. He added that the decision to build the flyover was made after conducting an environmental impact assessment and traffic studies, which showed that it was the best solution to reduce accidents and ease traffic congestion in the area. Omowaiye challenged the current administration to present any valid technical report proving that the bridge is substandard.

He further explained that the previous administration, under Governor Oyetola, went beyond just structural design by adding cultural and aesthetic elements to the project, such as the iconic fish sculpture symbolizing Osogbo’s heritage, dancing fountains, and solar-powered lights for nighttime travelers.

In contrast, the PDP, through its Director of Media, Oladele Bamiji, supported Governor Adeleke’s decision, emphasizing that it was purely a precautionary measure aimed at protecting the lives of residents and road users. Bamiji explained that motorists had raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the flyover, prompting the state government to take immediate action. A lawmaker had also raised a motion in the Osun State House of Assembly, alerting the government to the potential dangers posed by the bridge.

The PDP insisted that Governor Adeleke’s actions were not politically motivated and had no intention of erasing the legacies of the past administration. Bamiji reiterated that the safety of Osun residents was paramount, and the government could not afford to ignore warnings from road users and lawmakers about the flyover’s condition.

Bamiji stressed that the governor’s decision was made with the well-being of the public in mind. He added that if the government failed to act and something catastrophic occurred, critics would be the first to blame the administration for negligence. For the PDP, the safety of lives and property supersedes any political legacy or project.

As the debate over the Olaiya Flyover continues, both parties remain firm in their stances, reflecting the ongoing political rivalry in Osun State. The APC maintains that the flyover is structurally sound and one of the finest achievements of its administration, while the PDP argues that the safety of residents is a non-negotiable priority that must be upheld at all costs.

The controversy highlights the fine line between political interests and public safety, with the residents of Osun State watching closely to see how the issue unfolds.