Residents of Ota, Ogun State, lament crippling gridlock from the slow Oju-Ore Flyover project and raise concerns over poor-quality work on the N15bn Ota-Idiroko Road. Citizens demand urgent government action
Ogun Residents Decry Crippling Gridlock as Oju-Ore Flyover, Ota-Idiroko Constructions Road Drag On
Ota, Ogun State – September 2025
Frustration is mounting in Ado-Odo/Ota as residents, motorists, and business owners decry the worsening traffic gridlock caused by the slow pace of the Oju-Ore Flyover construction, coupled with fresh concerns over the quality of work on the multi-billion-naira Ota-Idiroko Road project.
At a press conference convened by the Ado-Odo/Ota Citizens Engagement Platform, community leaders warned that the twin challenges risk plunging Ogun State’s busiest industrial hub into economic paralysis.
Oju-Ore: A Nightmare for Motorists and Traders
According to the group’s coordinator, Mrs. Olajumoke Odeyemi, the long-awaited Oju-Ore Flyover, instead of easing transport, has created unbearable hardship.
“Our petition, signed by 1,127 citizens, highlights how the slow pace of this construction has paralysed movement, caused frequent accidents, increased transport costs, and forced many businesses to the brink of collapse,” Odeyemi said.
Commuters described what should be a 15-minute journey now stretching into several hours, with motorists trapped in fumes and stress daily. Many traders report losing customers, while transport operators complain of skyrocketing fuel expenses and losses.
“The economic hub of Ogun State cannot afford this paralysis,” Odeyemi warned. “Traders are losing customers, transporters are running at a loss, and residents’ health is suffering daily. Something must be done now.”
To ease congestion, the group urged the government to rehabilitate seven key alternative routes, including Papa-Aro to Itele Road, Iya-Ijebu Junction to Obasanjo Road, Access Road beside Grocery Bazaar (GB) connecting Papa-Aro Road and Babyo Bus Stop to Jendol via Ilogbo Road, among others. They said restoring these bypass routes would free traffic, improve safety, and revive economic activity.
Ota-Idiroko Road: Quality Under Scrutiny
The frustrations are compounded by growing doubts about the N15 billion Ota-Idiroko Road project, handled by LARALEK Construction Company. Despite the symbolic commencement of demolitions on July 4, 2024, residents say progress is slow and quality questionable.
Chief Olayiwola Deinde, a civil engineer and Seriki Oruba-Ota, voiced strong reservations:
“The Ota-Idiroko Road construction, a project that should elicit joy, going by the fact that an indigenous firm is in charge, is challenged by pace and quality. The drains haven’t reached expected distances, and we’re left guessing if the contractor is being adequately funded.”
He stressed that while the community supports development, it will not compromise on durability.
“This isn’t just concrete and stone—it’s a lifeline for thousands. If it fails under pressure now, what happens in a year or two?”
Call for Urgent Action
Copies of the citizens’ petition have been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Works, FERMA, members of the National Assembly, and the Ogun State Ministry of Works, demanding immediate intervention.
“This advocacy is not confrontation but a civic duty,” Odeyemi emphasized. “We are demanding inclusive, responsive, and accountable infrastructure development that truly serves the people.”
For now, however, Ota—an industrial hub critical to Ogun’s economy—remains trapped in gridlock, its residents battling stress, failing businesses, and looming fears over the integrity of ongoing road projects. Read More
