The Egba Economic Summit Group has asked the Federal Government to quickly and properly complete the Idi-Aba–Abeokuta–Obafemi–Ajebo link road, which connects to the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The group said the road is very important for Ogun State’s economy and for easy movement in the region.
In a letter to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, the group’s president, Gbenga Adeoye, warned that delays and poor construction could reduce the road’s economic benefits. He said the group has a duty to alert the government about important projects that are slow, stalled, or poorly planned.
The group said work on the road has been slow, especially near the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, and the Ogun State Television (OGTV) area. They asked the minister to make sure the road is built to the proper standard even after leaving Abeokuta city. Adeoye explained that contractors often reduce the quality of work outside main cities, which makes the road less durable.
The project has been going on for years and started during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. While the section from the Federal Medical Centre to Chrisland University is passable, the road becomes difficult to drive on after that.
Adeoye praised the government for other road projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry–Sokoto Road corridor, and repairs on the Sango–Abeokuta Road, saying the group supports economic development.
The summit group also warned that the slow road construction affects the new Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, which is supposed to be on a 170-hectare site at Ajibayo Village. They said students and staff cannot move to the permanent site if the road is not completed.
The road is also an important alternative to the old Ibadan–Abeokuta Road, helping to reduce traffic on busy routes. Completing the road could transform the Obafemi–Ajebo area into an industrial hub, connecting villages like Erunwon, Abiona Mosafejo, and Olosun. It could also reduce traffic at the Ogere section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway by providing a new route between Ibadan and Abeokuta.
The group noted that ongoing excavations have made the road worse, whereas it used to be smooth and served as a shortcut to Ibadan during former Governor Olusegun Osoba’s administration.
Adeoye called for urgent action, saying that finishing the road will positively affect Egbaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria’s economy. Copies of the letter were sent to traditional leaders and key figures in Egbaland, including the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Osile of Oke Ona, Oba Tejuoso; the Olowu of Owu, Oba Matemilola; former Governor Osoba; and the Babalaje of Egbaland, Chief Osunkeye.
The group hopes the Ministry of Works will provide enough funds to complete this and other road projects across Nigeria.
