President Bola Tinubu has approved the rehabilitation of the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan dual carriage expressway, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal and grassroots development.
Speaking through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the coronation of the 41st Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Clement Haastrup (Ajimoko III), Tinubu said the road project aligns with ongoing federal efforts in transportation, education, healthcare, and agriculture aimed at uplifting communities across Nigeria.
“We recognize the resourcefulness of this land and will continue to partner with traditional institutions to ensure that development is inclusive and enduring,” Tinubu stated.
He described the new Owa as a monarch under whose reign the cultural and economic splendor of Ijesaland would flourish. As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the President also directed the release of an intervention fund for the expressway rehabilitation, a key economic route for Osun and neighboring states.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his goodwill message, praised the monarch’s loyalty, recalling their working relationship when he served as Deputy Governor to his late brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke.
Adeleke highlighted strides in education and healthcare, announcing that the University of Ilesa now offers over 50 accredited courses and that the General Hospital, Ilesa, has been approved as the university’s teaching hospital.
READ ALSO:Â Tinubu Flags Off Lagos-Ibadan-Sagamu Expressway Reconstruction
He added that the state government is close to completing the 12-kilometer Ereja Square-Brewery Junction dual carriageway, which is expected to transform Ilesa into a modern commercial hub.
Oba Haastrup, in his royal address, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and well-wishers present, saying, “You all sacrificed for me to be here today. I am elated to witness this day.”
The event drew a high-powered guest list, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, and former Osun Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
Also present were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Laoye Ghandi; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi; Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe; and Aare Onakakanfo Gani Adams, alongside top Osun State officials and traditional rulers.