Osun

Bad State: Adeleke Orders Immediate Repairs On Iwo–Osogbo Road

BySodiq Lawal

PublishedAugust 3, 2025

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has directed the Ministry of Works to commence immediate spot rehabilitation of the Iwo–Osogbo Road, citing the urgent need to ease the hardship faced by motorists due to the worsening condition of the road.

The directive, which was issued on Saturday, follows mounting complaints from road users and residents of the affected communities, particularly amidst the current rainy season, which has further deteriorated the already poor state of the road.

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor stated that the order for urgent repairs was a stopgap measure while the state finalises procurement for the full reconstruction of the critical road artery, which connects five local government areas to the state capital.

Governor Adeleke disclosed that some sections of the road have become nearly impassable, with multiple gullies rendering the highway unsafe and almost severed in parts.

He noted that the road serves as a major link for residents of Iwo, Ayedire, Olaoluwa, Ejigbo, Egbedore, and Ede local government areas.

“In response to the pressing condition of the road, I have instructed the Ministry of Works to immediately commence spot rehabilitation of the worst-hit sections, pending the mobilisation of contractors for full reconstruction,” Adeleke said.

He explained that the state government has concluded plans to fast-track the project by breaking the contract into three segments, which will be handled by three different contractors—including the original contractor engaged by the previous administration.

The governor assured the affected communities that reconstruction works would be completed within a year, promising transparency and adherence to procurement regulations.

“We are at the final stage of the procurement process. The contractors will soon be mobilised to site. We are slow because we have a duty to strictly comply with due process and the procurement laws,” he said.

It will be recalled that the Iwo–Osogbo Road project was initially awarded during the final months of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s administration. However, only a portion of the road was completed, corresponding to the funds released at the time.

Rasheed said the current administration now plans to complete the outstanding section.

According to the statement, “Following the governor’s directive, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works has deployed a team of engineers to carry out a technical assessment and draw up a plan for immediate remedial work, which is scheduled to commence on Tuesday.

“Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal, stating that critical roads such as the Iwo–Osogbo corridor would not be left in neglect under his watch.

“Our people should rest assured that we will break the jinx and deliver on this important road. We understand its economic and social significance to the affected communities,” he added.

Sodiq Lawal

Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.