Fresh information has emerged on the reasons behind the delay in the commissioning and opening of the newly constructed Oke-Fia Flyover in Osogbo, months after its completion by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.
It would be recalled that Governor Adeleke had on October 27, 2023 announced a ₦100 billion infrastructure development plan for Osun State. The plan included the construction of five flyovers and 45 roads across the state’s 30 local government areas, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving road connectivity.
The proposed flyovers were slated for Osogbo (Oke-Fia and Lameco), Ile-Ife, Ikirun and Owode-Ede.
Following the announcement, Governor Adeleke officially flagged off the construction of the Oke-Fia and Lameco flyovers, with full-scale construction commencing in 2024.
According to the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Kolapo Alimi, the construction of the seven-span bridge at the Oke-Fia intersection was awarded to A’skorj Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦10,764,206,257.58. The project was completed in October 2025.
However, following the completion of the flyover, debates erupted among supporters of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over the quality and design of the bridge.
Party loyalists took to social media to criticise and defend the project, with APC supporters alleging that the flyover was substandard and did not qualify as a dual carriageway. They argued that the bridge was too narrow and should not have accommodated a median.
One of the APC supporters, Misbahudeen Ibrahim, in a Facebook post, claimed that the Oke-Fia flyover could not be regarded as a dual carriageway because of insufficient lane width.
He argued that after two vehicles occupy a lane, the remaining space is about 0.1 metre, which he described as unsafe and unprofessional. According to him, the minimum width for a single traffic lane should range between 7.6 and 8 metres.
He further explained that, based on anthropometric data used in architectural and engineering designs, vehicles require between 2.7 and 3 metres of space. He claimed the sectional width of the Oke-Fia bridge is approximately 5.4 metres (18 feet), which, when divided into two lanes, leaves inadequate clearance for safe driving.
“Bisecting the road to justify the narrative of a dualised carriageway is unprofessional on the part of the engineer and contractor. It is also a dubious move by the project sponsors if human safety is truly a priority,” he stated.
In response, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adeleke on Bureau of Social Services, Mr. Akintunde Sheriff, dismissed the criticisms, insisting that the flyover meets the minimum standard specifications.
Sheriff described the project as an improvement on all flyovers constructed under previous administrations in the state.
“I have seen the feeble attempts by some members of the Ileri school of thought of Osun APC to downplay a significant infrastructure provided by this government at Oke-Fia,” he said.
According to him, the flyover is a dual-lane bridge with a length unprecedented in the state’s history. He noted that each carriageway measures not less than five metres, giving the flyover a total width of 10 metres, which he said meets approved standards.
He also explained that the road divider is removable to ease traffic in the event of accidents or vehicle breakdowns.
“This flyover is an improvement on all flyovers constructed under previous administrations. We urge critics to stop being blind to the progress recorded by the present administration. Osun State is our collective heritage,” Sheriff added.
- Why the Flyover Is Yet to Be Opened
Despite its completion in October 2025, the Oke-Fia Flyover has neither been commissioned nor opened to motorists, raising concerns and speculations among residents.
Some observers suggested that the delay might be due to the government’s inability to secure a prominent personality to commission the project, given ongoing political realignments nationwide.
However, an impeccable government official who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER dismissed the insinuation, describing the delay as a strategic decision.
The source, who requested anonymity, said the state government is deliberately waiting for the completion of other major projects before commissioning the flyover.
According to the official, Governor Adeleke, who is seeking re-election under the Accord Party, plans to showcase the projects as key campaign achievements.
“We are going to commission the Oke-Fia flyover very soon. What we are waiting for is the completion of other major projects.
“The Ile-Ife and Lameco flyovers will be completed shortly, alongside several road projects in Iwo and other towns. The governor wants to campaign with these projects so that people can physically see what has been delivered in their communities,” the source said.
On claims that the government is still searching for who would commission the project, the source dismissed such suggestions, revealing that President Bola Tinubu is likely to be invited.
“There is nothing like shopping for who will commission the flyover. Governor Adeleke is a performing governor and one of the best in the country. President Bola Tinubu will be invited, and we are confident he will honour the invitation,” the source added.
Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.
