At the heart of the concern is the drainage system, reportedly incomplete and already showing signs of structural fatigue
Slow Progress, Residents Lament… Ota-Idiroko Road Project Faces Public Scrutiny Despite N15 Billion Backing
Lukman Omikunle -May 16, 2025
Ota, Ogun State – Despite an ambitious N15 billion federal allocation and the symbolic commencement of building demolitions on July 4, 2024, the Ota-Idiroko Road project is already drawing growing concern from residents and community stakeholders over the quality and pace of work delivered by LARALEK Construction Company.
On July 4, 2024, Newsheadline247 reports that the demolition of high-density structures at the Oju-Oore axis to make way for a long-awaited flyover and the broader 64-kilometre road rehabilitation effort—an initiative championed under the 2024 federal budget, which saw the Ministry of Works’ funding increase dramatically to ₦1.03 trillion from a previously proposed ₦657.3 billion.
However, optimism is now tempered by frustration, as both road users and locals question the execution of the project.
At the heart of the concern is the drainage system, reportedly incomplete and already showing signs of structural fatigue. Cracks and wear are visible in access slabs, and the concrete drains are allegedly buckling under pressure, despite construction being only partially in progress.
Chief Olayiwola Deinde, a Civil Engineer and a respected voice in the community, expressed 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,” he stated. “The drains haven’t reached expected distances, and we’re left guessing if the contractor is being adequately funded.”
Chief Deinde, the Seriki Oruba-Ota, added that while the community supports development, they will not compromise on quality. “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?”
A trader at Oju Oore, who identified herself as Shakirah, urged the contractor to expedite the project. She expressed her concerns about the significant impact that the ongoing bridge construction is having on their business, stating, “It is always terrible whenever it rains.”
A commuter, who preferred to remain anonymous, echoed Shakirah’s sentiments. He emphasized that the government should encourage the contractor to work faster, saying, “The current situation has put many businesses in a difficult position. The government should kindly consider the traders and business owners in the area, as most of them are incurring losses due to the commencement of the project.”
On Thursday, the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Lawal, FCA, called for immediate action on the Road project in a decisive move to address the ongoing hardship confronting residents and commuters in the area.
With the rainy season approaching its peak, the Chairman emphasised the urgency of accelerating repairs to prevent further deterioration and hardship. “We cannot allow the rains to compound the suffering of our people. Now is the time for swift intervention,” he stated during an inspection of the project.
The Federal Government, LARALEK Construction, and relevant oversight bodies now face mounting pressure to improve transparency, ensure consistent cash flow, and raise the construction standards before the rainy season compounds the challenges.Read More
