Ogun state government gives clarification on Paddy-Arikawe Oye, Igbimo road project
Christianah Alade (Intern)
The Ogun State Government has debunked reports alleging it halted the ongoing federal road project along Paddy-Arikawe Oye, Igbomo Road Project to settle scores with the facilitators of the project.
Penpushing reports that the clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, adding that the claim was egregious falsehood
The statement stated that the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, was merely directed to comply with due process by obtaining the necessary approval from the state, as the road in question falls under its jurisdiction.
Penpushing further reports that Akinmade explained that upon discovering a contractor working on the road, which had already been scheduled for repairs by the Governor the Ogun State government requested the contractor to formally apply for permission and specify the scope of work.
The statement emphasized that this, it noted, would enable the state government to adjust its schedule accordingly, and challenged the authors of the fake news report to point out any illegality in the letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. Dr. L.O. Yusuf, which directed the contractor to suspend operations for failing to obtain the necessary permit or clearance from the state government before commencing work.
Penpushing also reports that the government stressed that no repair work can be carried out on any road without prior approval, noting that even state governments seeking to rehabilitate federal roads are required to first obtain permission from the Federal Government.
“Nigerians will recall that for a long time, the Ogun State Government could not carry out any repair works on federal roads like the Abeokuta-Sango Ota Road because the then Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, refused to give the state permission’, the statement reads
Penpushing reports that the statement described, as ignorance the claim that the Federal Government had approved the construction of a state road, stressing that the claim was outright mischief
“If not for outright mischief carried out on behalf of their drowning principal, how can anyone equate asking a contractor to obtain necessary approval before working on a state road to stopping the project because of alleged political hostility? How do you work on a state road, indeed any road, without obtaining the necessary approval?” It added.
Penpushing further reports that the statement cited due process as the norm, pointing to a letter dated February 1, 2025, in which a former federal lawmaker, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, formally sought approval to commence work on four rural roads, Sokanmade Road, Ewuga; Oko and Ada Road, Simawa; Ita Maro to Ilara Road; and Alhaja Ogunsanya Street, Irolu, among other projects, emphasizing that this is the normal route to take.
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