In a shocking turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration in Ekiti State, headed by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, recently granted approval for the construction of a 1-kilometer flyover bridge in Ado Ekiti.
This development, discussed and approved during the State Executive Council meeting, signifies the government’s dedication to ensuring the accessibility and maintenance of all roads within the state.
Ironically, the same APC, which is now championing this infrastructure project, was previously critical of a similar initiative led by former Governor Ayo Fayose.
The Fajuyi/Ojumose overhead bridge in Ado Ekiti, commissioned by former President Goodluck Jonathan on May 25th, 2018, faced strong opposition from the APC at that time.
However, under the present APC administration, the construction of a 1-kilometer flyover bridge from Union Bank in Ajilosun to First Bank at Okeyinmi in Ado Ekiti has received official approval.
The now-approved project also includes the rehabilitation of the Ikere-Ise-Emure road, emphasizing the commitment of the current administration to enhancing the overall road infrastructure in the state. This move aims to not only make all roads in Ekiti State motorable but also ensure their proper maintenance.
Critics of the previous administration, particularly former Governor Fayose, argued that projects like the overhead bridge were not essential for a predominantly farming state like Ekiti.
Mr. Ayo Babatola, a former local government councilor, in a report by Tbi Africa, described Fayose as the worst governor that had ever ruled Ekiti.
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“What did he do? He left two main projects: the overhead bridge in Ado-Ekiti and Kings Market, which he did not even complete.
“These are projects that are not viable, projects that will not help Ekiti in any way.
“Ekiti is a predominantly farming state. What do we need overhead bridge for?” Babatola asked.
Another respondent, Mr. Abunmi Awotikun, a retired federal government civil servant, said he would only miss the former governor for his “brigandage and jokes.”.
“We miss him for his executive recklessness; call it years of the locust.
“Ekiti values and ethos were put at abeyance for four years.
“Ekiti people are noted for respect, courtesy, industry, agriculture and education.
“Believe me we lost those values in the four years under Fayose,” Awotikun said.
He said it would take Ekiti at least 10 years to recover from the “mess that the former governor has plunged the state into.”
However, the present government (APC) views such infrastructural developments as vital for easing traffic congestion, enhancing socio-economic activities, and ensuring the safety of people and property on the roads.
Moreover, the aesthetic improvement of the State Capital is considered a positive outcome of these endeavors.
The flyover bridge, initially proposed from Irona to Mathew (Saint Paul), underwent a strategic alteration to commence at Ajilosun (Union Bank) and terminate at Okeyinmi (First Bank), Ado-Ekiti.
This adjustment was based on a careful review of traffic volume and gridlock along the Oja Oba Market to Ajilosun axis.
The construction is expected to be completed within 24 months, aligning with the government’s ambitious agenda to rapidly enhance the state’s infrastructure. #APC