The Olota of Ota praises President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Ota–Idiroko road project, but residents and stakeholders raise concerns over delays, quality, and rainy season impact
Tinubu Earns Royal Praise as Olota Hails Ota–Idiroko Road, Residents Demand Speed and Quality
The Olota of Ota, Oba AbduKabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, has once again showered praise on Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the reconstruction and expansion of the 64-kilometre Ota–Idiroko Road, describing the initiative as a bold and strategic intervention capable of reshaping economic activity along the ECOWAS corridor. The monarch said the project reflects purposeful leadership at a time when critical infrastructure is central to national growth.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon foresight by giving priority to this road,” the traditional ruler said. “For us in Ota and across the Awori land, this is more than a construction project—it is a gateway to prosperity, trade expansion, and sustainable development.”
Oba Obalanlege added that the people of Ota receive the development with deep appreciation, noting that improved connectivity will unlock business opportunities and ease the movement of goods and people across borders. “Our community is grateful. This road will stimulate commerce, create jobs, and restore Ota’s position as a major economic hub in this region,” he said.
Public reactions have largely aligned with the monarch’s position, with many observers acknowledging the renewed momentum behind the long-delayed project.
Social commentator Femi Omidiji said the administration’s approach signals a deliberate shift toward infrastructure-driven growth.
“This project has been talked about for years, but what we are seeing now is decisive action,” he said. “It shows a leadership that understands the direct link between infrastructure and economic prosperity.”
Similarly, community leader Chief Bashir Oladele Adeniji described the development as a reflection of broader reforms under the current administration. “What this project tells us is that the government is serious about rebuilding critical sectors,” he noted. “It is not just about roads; it is about laying a solid foundation for long-term national progress.”
However, despite the optimism, concerns are mounting over the pace and quality of execution by LARALEK Construction Company. Residents and stakeholders have begun to question whether the project is progressing at the level expected, especially following the initial demolition phase in July 2024 backed by a substantial federal allocation.
A civil engineer and respected community voice, Chief Olayiwola Deinde, did not hide his reservations. “This project should ordinarily be a source of collective joy, especially with an indigenous contractor handling it,” he said. “But what we are seeing raises questions about both the speed and the standard of work being delivered.”
He stressed that the road is too critical to be compromised. “This is not just about laying asphalt; it is about building a lifeline for thousands of people,” Deinde added. “If the foundation is weak today, the consequences will be severe in the near future. We cannot afford that risk.”
At the grassroots level, traders and commuters say the ongoing construction is already taking a toll on their daily activities. A trader at the busy Oju-Oore axis, identified as Shakirah, described the situation as increasingly difficult, especially during rainfall. “Whenever it rains, the entire area becomes a nightmare,” she said. “Customers can hardly access our shops, and we end up losing business.”
A commuter who plies the route regularly echoed similar frustrations, urging authorities to intervene. “The slow pace of work is affecting everyone—drivers, traders, and residents alike,” he said. “Many businesses are struggling, and there needs to be urgency in how this project is handled.”
With the rainy season approaching, fears are growing that conditions could worsen if immediate steps are not taken.
Chief Deinde called for swift intervention, warning against the compounding effects of heavy rainfall. “We cannot allow the rains to deepen the hardship our people are already facing,” he said. “This is the time for faster execution and practical solutions to ease the burden.”
In response to the concerns, a site supervising engineer, Taiwo Olagoke, reassured the public that the project remains on course. “Work is progressing as planned, and we are committed to meeting the required standards,” he said. “There is no compromise on quality, and we are confident that the finished road will meet public expectations.”
Olagoke also pointed to the company’s track record in the Ota axis as evidence of its capability. “We have successfully handled major projects in this area before, and this will not be an exception,” he stated. “At completion, the quality of this road will speak for itself.”
Even with these assurances, pressure continues to mount on the Federal Government, contractors, and regulatory bodies to ensure transparency, accelerate delivery, and maintain high construction standards. For residents of Ota, the road project remains a symbol of hope—one that must ultimately deliver on its promise.
As work continues, the stakes are high. The commendation from traditional leadership underscores confidence in the vision behind the project, but for many on the ground, its true success will be measured by timely completion and enduring quality.
