THE Osun State Government has temporarily closed the newly commissioned Lameco Flyover in Osogbo, the state capital, following a structural defect on the bridge, less than one month after it was opened to traffic.
One lane of the flyover, showing visible cracks on a section of the bridge, was closed on Friday, July 24, a development has sparked a political row, ahead of the Saturday, August 15, governorship election, with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Accord Party (AP) alleging sabotage, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) queried the quality of the project.
State Chairman of AP, Victor Akande, claimed a “disturbing pattern of vandalisation targeting public infrastructure delivered by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke,” alleging the incidents appeared to be “part of a calculated attempt by desperate elements in the opposition APC to undermine and discredit the remarkable achievements of the current administration ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.”
Akande urged security agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable, irrespective of political affiliation, adding: “We hereby urge residents, community leaders, youth groups and all well-meaning citizens to remain vigilant and take ownership of public assets by promptly reporting any suspicious activities around government projects to the appropriate security agencies.
“The people of Osun have witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development under Adeleke, and no amount of politically-motivated vandalism will erase these visible achievements or derail the administration’s commitment to building a more prosperous and secure state for all.”
On its part, the state APC Governorship Campaign Council dismissed the claim, saying preliminary findings pointed to structural deficiencies in the project.
A statement by its Media and Publicity Director, Remi Omowaiye, pointed to confirmed reports of “visible signs of structural failure” on the flyover, adding: “That include a deep pothole and other distress points that raise serious questions about the quality of construction and the integrity of the entire project.
“These disturbing developments, coming barely a month after the commissioning, are unacceptable and constitute a direct threat to the lives of innocent road users.”
It urged Adeleke to immediately close the bridge, which was inaugurated on July 1, and commission an independent structural integrity assessment by qualified professionals, advising motorists to avoid using the flyover until experts certified it safe for use.
Meanwhile, the governor has ordered immediate repairs and heightened security surveillance across the state, following the damage on a section of the flyover following a prolonged downpour.
Speaking after an inspection of the site, in company with engineers from the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Adeleke commended the rapid mobilisation to restore the damaged portion, saying he had received a direct briefing on the circumstances from the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bashiru Bello.
In an update posted on his official X account, Adeleke said: “Yesterday evening, I inspected the vandalised section of the Lameco Flyover in Osogbo.
“I commend the hardworking engineers from the Ministry of Works who have swiftly mobilised to the site to ensure the immediate repair of the damaged section.
“During my visit, I received direct briefing from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. Bashiru Bello, on the circumstances surrounding the act of vandalism.
“It is unfortunate that some saboteurs, whose sole objective is to undermine our developmental strides and destroy the legacy of this administration, would resort to attacking public infrastructure built with taxpayers’ resources.
“I enjoin security agencies to strengthen the protection of public infrastructure across the state and ensure that those responsible for this criminal act are identified, arrested, and brought to justice.
“These projects belong to the people of Osun State, and every well-meaning citizen has a responsibility to protect them from acts of sabotage and vandalism.
“My administration remains resolute in its commitment to delivering quality infrastructure and will not be deterred by the actions of those who seek to impede our progress.”
