Traditional rulers, local government chairmen and residents of Oyo East and Oyo West Local Government Areas have commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his administration’s sustained investment in road infrastructure. This followed an inspection of newly completed and ongoing road projects across the two councils.
Honourable Oluokun Peter Olusola, executive chairman of Oyo East Local Government, spearheaded the delegation alongside Prince Akeem Babatunde Olukitibi, his counterpart from Oyo West.
Traditional Rulers hails Makinde’s Infrastructure Drive
Several traditional rulers joined the oversight team, including the Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye, and the Onisamu of Samu, Oba Lamidi Oyewale. Additional royal fathers present were Oba Afonja Mukaila, the Alajagba of Oyo, and Oba Samuel Odurinde. Other traditional figures participating included the Ona-Isokun of Oyo, the Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Olufemi Oyekan, and the Onimileke of Imileke, Oba Fakayode Alowonle. The Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran, the Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oba Salawu Oyeniran, and the Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe, also attended.
The delegation examined a comprehensive 5.2-kilometre road network connecting Iseke, Ladindin, Ojongbodu, and Isokun. Construction figures confirm a 4-kilometre stretch completed in Oyo East alongside a 1.2-kilometre section in Oyo West.
Prince Olukitibi praised the state administration for prioritising transportation networks. He noted that completed upgrades successfully enhance community accessibility and stimulate local trade. He also acknowledged the legislative backing of Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, describing her coordination as vital for project approval.
Honourable Olusola echoed these sentiments during media briefings following the tour. He detailed several completed state-backed interventions, such as the Apaara–Oke Apo Road and the Molaba–Balogun Road. Additional deliveries include the Olugbon–Mobolaje Road, Oba Adeyemi Road, and the Ajagba–Ogeese Road, alongside the Kosobo route.
Oba Lamidi Oyeniyi spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers during the tour. He characterised the governor as a visionary leader committed to grassroots transformation. The royal delegation expressed deep satisfaction with the engineering standards observed on-site, noting that the projects would accelerate economic growth across affected settlements.
Assessing the Economic Impact of Rural Roads
Reliable transport networks form the backbone of rural economies in Western Nigeria. Decades of infrastructural deficits across secondary councils historically isolated farming communities from major commercial hubs. Paving inner roads directly reduces vehicle maintenance costs for transporters and lowers post-harvest losses for agrarian populations.
When feeder routes remain impassable during heavy seasonal rains, agricultural produce rots before reaching urban markets. Connecting remote settlements like Isokun and Oke Apo transforms local commerce by slashing transit times. Economists note that decentralised infrastructure spending generates immediate multiplier effects, driving micro-enterprises and boosting regional employment.
Governor Makinde’s administration relies heavily on local government partnerships to execute these decentralised mandates. By coordinating between traditional institutions and elected council executives, the state government ensures community buy-in and project longevity.
Community Leaders Praise Local Collaboration
Engr. Adewara Muyiwa, representing the construction firm Quickborn Nigeria Limited, confirmed that work adhered strictly to schedule. He assured residents that remaining phases would meet high technical standards.
Community stakeholders welcomed the physical changes brought by the state intervention. The Mufasir of Oke Apo offered public prayers for the governor, wishing him continued health and administrative strength. Residents across both council areas expressed renewed confidence in regional governance as construction crews finalise remaining project milestones.
