Politics

LAGERE FLYOVER BRIDGE– CLARIFYING OUR POSITION ON PRIORITIES IN ILE-IFE

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on April 23rd, 2026.

Our attention has been drawn to recent commentaries attempting to misrepresent the position of our principal following his interview on the Lagere Flyover bridge project in Ile-Ife.

For the avoidance of doubt, our principal’s position has been consistent, objective, and rooted in the genuine needs of the people. His remarks were made during a public engagement, in which he clearly stated that the Lagere flyover bridge was a misplaced priority compared to Ile-Ife’s pressing infrastructural needs.

At no point did he oppose development.

Rather, he questioned the relevance, timing, and impact of such a project on residents’ daily lives.

It is important to state that this position was expressed well before the current stage of completion, as part of his responsibility to provide constructive criticism and policy direction.

Unfortunately, instead of addressing these concerns, some have chosen to politicise the issue and misinterpret a sincere call for better prioritisation.

The fundamental issue remains unchanged:

Ile-Ife has more urgent infrastructural demands.

Many inner roads remain in poor condition, key routes require dualization, and there is a clear need for a comprehensive ring road system to ease movement and support economic activities.

Even at the Lagere axis, available data and lived experience show that traffic congestion does not justify a flyover bridge of this scale. In most cases, delays do not last beyond a few minutes. This raises valid concerns about value for money and strategic planning.

Stakeholders within Ile-Ife, including notable youth groups and concerned residents, had earlier called for broader consultation and more practical alternatives.

However, these voices were largely ignored, reinforcing concerns about a top-down rather than a participatory approach to governance.

It is also worth noting the contrast in developmental priorities across the state. While some areas benefit from road dualization and targeted upgrades, Ile-Ife has been presented with a project many consider more symbolic than impactful.

Our principal remains committed to people-oriented governance, where development is driven not by optics but by real-need projects that directly improve mobility, boost commerce, and enhance the quality of life.

As always, we welcome healthy debate, but it must be grounded in facts, not sentiment or political spin.

The people of Ile-Ife deserve thoughtful planning, inclusive decision-making, and infrastructure that truly serves their interests.

Signed:

Media Office

Aare Engr. Benjamin Kayode Adereti