Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has clarified President Bola Tinubu’s recent remarks on the construction of flyovers by state governments, insisting that the President did not condemn the projects where they are genuinely needed.
Aiyedatiwa spoke on Monday during the flag-off of the 2.38-kilometre flyover project along Oba Adesida Road in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The clarification followed Tinubu’s recent appeal to state governors to reconsider constructing flyovers in locations where traffic volumes did not justify such infrastructure.
The President had urged governors to channel the significantly increased allocations accruing to states into road networks and other projects capable of improving living conditions and providing security agencies with better access to remote communities.
Tinubu noted that states were now receiving between four and five times the amount they previously received from the Federation Account.
However, Aiyedatiwa maintained that the President’s comments did not apply to the newly inaugurated Akure flyover project, arguing that the location had a genuine need for the infrastructure.
“Let me quickly remind all of us, especially those naysayers that never see anything good in what we are doing. This is not the kind of location Mr President was referring to when he said governors should stop building flyovers. This is not the kind,” Aiyedatiwa said.
According to the governor, Tinubu’s position was that flyovers should not be constructed where they were unnecessary, rather than imposing a blanket ban on such projects.
“He said they should not erect them where they are unnecessary. So you must add the other side of his speech. Do not quote Mr President out of context. He said where it is necessary, you can do it. This one is more than necessary, and that is why we are doing it,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa also expressed appreciation to Tinubu for the reforms of his administration, which he said had increased the financial resources available to states.
He said the additional funds from the Federation Account had enabled states to undertake major infrastructure projects.
The governor described the flyover as a strategic intervention under his administration’s urban renewal and infrastructure development agenda.
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He said the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida axis was among the busiest corridors in Akure and served as a major link between markets, financial institutions, schools, places of worship and residential communities.
According to him, increasing population, vehicular movement and commercial activities had placed considerable pressure on the road, resulting in persistent traffic congestion and an increased risk of accidents.
“The economic life of Akure passes daily” through the corridor, Aiyedatiwa said, stressing that the growing pressure on the route had begun to affect productivity, investment and the safety of residents.
He said the government had therefore decided to intervene through the construction of the flyover to address the challenges and improve movement within the state capital.
The governor also directed the contractor handling the project to adhere strictly to the approved design, budget and completion schedule.
He demanded high standards of professionalism, quality, safety and integrity throughout the execution of the project.
“Adhere strictly to the approved design specifications and timelines, and ensure that the project is delivered to the enduring benefit of our people,” Aiyedatiwa instructed.