Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday commissioned the newly dualised 5.9-kilometer Akobo–Ojurin–Olorunda Abaa Road in Ibadan. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, the governor described the project as a strategic road that will boost trade, ease transportation, open up rural communities, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The road, now named after Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu in recognition of his contributions to the state, was part of Governor Makinde’s commitment to infrastructure development across Oyo State. The project also marks the fulfillment of a campaign promise made during his visit to Ward 3 in Lagelu Local Government Area during the 2023 elections.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at Nathaniel Idowu Comprehensive High School, Olorunda Abaa, the governor noted that the road project is not just an asphalt overlay but a fully dualised road, complete with solar-powered streetlights, drainage systems, and tarred adjoining access roads to enhance safety and connectivity.
“This strategic linkage is more than just a road; it is a lifeline that will open up our rural communities, stimulate trade, ease transportation, and uplift the quality of life of our people,” he said.
Governor Makinde highlighted the broader infrastructure agenda under his leadership, citing other major projects such as the 76.7km Ogbomoso–Fapote–Iseyin Road, the 34.85km Oyo–Iseyin Road, the dualised 12.5km Challenge–Odo Ona–Elewe–Apata Road, the completed Moniya–Iseyin Road, and the Airport–Ajia–New Ife Expressway. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to delivering impactful projects that stimulate economic growth and serve the people.
The governor praised Lagelu Local Government for executing the road project, aligning with other local government achievements like the 10.3km Omi Adio–Ido Junction Road by Ido LGA.
“Under the Omituntun 2.0 roadmap, each of our 33 local government areas is a beneficiary of people-oriented developments—from road construction to health facilities, model schools, rural electrification, and water projects. This shows that no community is being left behind,” Makinde said.
Executive Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Kamorudeen Mudashiru, in his remarks, commended Governor Makinde for empowering local governments to take charge of developmental initiatives. He noted that the successful completion of the road project is a clear demonstration of functional local government autonomy in the state.
Also speaking at the event, Engr. Okoro Hyginus, representative of the contractor, Samchase Nigeria Limited, thanked the state government and local residents for their support. He assured that the 5.9km road is durable, designed to ease traffic flow and boost economic activity in Akobo, Olorunda Abaa, and surrounding communities.
In their goodwill messages, Hon. Wasiu Olafisoye (Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency), Hon. Akintunde Olajide (Lagelu State Constituency), and Oyo PDP Women Leader, Chief (Mrs) Wulemotu Ibitoye, all expressed appreciation to the governor for delivering the dividends of democracy.
Traditional leaders, including the Ololorunda of Olorunda Abaa, Oba Samuel Abiodun Folarin, and former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief (Dr) Yemi Soladoye, also lauded Makinde’s commitment to community development and infrastructure renewal.
The commissioning was attended by notable dignitaries including former Deputy Governor Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin (represented by Hon. Gbenga Oyekola), Deputy Chief of Staff Hon. Kazim Adeniyi, commissioners, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local government chairmen.
