Osun: Release technical reports on Olaiya Flyover Bridge, APC tells Gov Adeleke

…alleges govt plan to demolish bridge

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has challenged the state government to provide technical reports and laboratory results to substantiate claims of faults at the Olaiya Flyover Bridge in Osogbo, the state capital.

The Ademola Adeleke-led government recently banned heavy-duty trucks from using the Olaiya Flyover Bridge, citing safety concerns based on technical reports regarding the bridge’s condition.

Governor Adeleke stated that the decision was necessary to prevent a potential collapse and to avoid accidents caused by the continued passage of heavy trucks.

It should be recalled that the immediate past administration, led by Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, constructed the Olaiya Flyover Bridge in 2022.

Addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, the former Commissioner for Works under Oyetola, Engr. Remi Omowaye, described the actions of the Adeleke government as politically motivated.

Omowaye disputed the government’s claims, stating that the flyover was designed and constructed with a load-bearing capacity of 150%, exceeding the required standards.

“We conducted an environmental impact assessment, traffic count, and designed the flyover with safety features, including a gentle gradient to prevent articulated trucks from using the bridge.

“We conducted various tests at FUTA Lab, the University of Lagos Lab, and Lagos State Materials Testing Lab, which is the best in Nigeria. All the results are available.

“I challenge them to present the technical report that claims the bridge has faults. Any engineer making such claims should present the report along with their NSE number.

“We didn’t just award the project to any company; we engaged a renowned World Bank consultant, Advanced Engineering Consult (AEC).”

Omowaye also urged the Osun State Government to release the list of consultants currently supervising their projects, as well as the results from the labs where they tested the flyovers they are constructing.

He called on the state government to prioritize transparency and accountability in its decision-making process.

“We’re not saying the government shouldn’t act, but this money belongs to the people of Osun and must be spent judiciously. Don’t demolish the Olaiya Flyover for political reasons,” Omowaye added.

Supporting Omowaye’s statement, the former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, claimed that Governor Adeleke’s administration is intent on dismantling all the legacies of the previous government for political reasons.

He also alleged that the ongoing Okefia and Lameco flyover bridges were awarded to unqualified contractors, claiming the projects were given to “cybercafe operators and fertilizer suppliers.”