The Olu of Itori, Oba Abdul Fatai Akorede Akamo, has praised the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun for fulfilling its pledge to reconstruct the Sango-Abeokuta expressway.
Governor Abiodun flagged off the reconstruction of the expressway on August 23 last year, following approval by the Federal Executive Council. The 18-month project has since brought visible improvements to one of the state’s busiest roads.
Speaking with journalists, Oba Akamo expressed deep gratitude to the governor, recalling the road’s long-standing deterioration.
“This road was abandoned for so many years, and I thank God that Governor Dapo Abiodun took the bull by the horns and committed to rehabilitating the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road,” the monarch said.
“Though it is a federal road, Governor Abiodun pledged to complete it, and he has already begun. Our governor is a man of his word, and his word is his bond. I have never seen a governor in this state since my enthronement who makes promises and delivers them. The governor’s commitment to this project is truly remarkable.”
Oba Akamo credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing unwavering support to the Ogun State governor, adding: “Governor Abiodun is a man of the people. He feels the people’s pain, and with the president’s backing, he is transforming our state.”
Motorists and residents have also expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the work.
A transporter, Opeyemi Akindele, who plies the Abeokuta–Papalanto route, applauded the contractor for reducing traffic congestion and road accidents.
“Before now, this road was terrible. We often drove one-way because some sections were impassable, and parts of it looked like swimming pools. Past administrations ignored this road, but Governor Abiodun has done an excellent job fixing it,” he said.
“Vehicle movement along this axis is now smooth, unlike before, when constant vehicle breakdowns were the norm. The difference is clear.”
Akindele, however, appealed for the creation of a trailer park between Papalanto Junction and Lafarge Cement Plant to prevent articulated vehicles from blocking the highway.
Residents shared similar sentiments. Ololade Anjolaoluwa of Papalanto said: “Traffic used to be terrible here, but this administration has truly come to our aid.”
Another resident, Akande Michael, urged the contractors to accelerate work and complete the project on schedule.
“There are visible changes, and accidents have drastically reduced since reconstruction began. We are grateful to Governor Abiodun for his leadership,” Michael said.
The reconstruction is currently underway at Olomore, Midgad/Metroxide, Papalanto Junction, Owode, and the Toll Gate axis, where drainage, stone base, and earthwork have been completed, and asphalt is now being laid.
Previously failed portions at Brewery, Obada, and Itori Junction up to the Lafarge Cement Factory in Ewekoro have also been repaired and reopened for motorists, marking significant progress in the much-anticipated project.
