Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, commissioned the newly dualised 5.9km Akobo–Ojurin–Olorunda Abaa–Eniosa Junction Road in Lagelu Local Government Area, describing it as a vital infrastructural project aimed at opening up rural communities, boosting commerce, and improving residents’ quality of life.
Represented by Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal at the commissioning ceremony held at Nathaniel Idowu Comprehensive High School, Olorunda Abaa, the governor announced that the road has been named after Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu in honour of his notable contributions to the state’s development.
The dualised road, complete with solar-powered street lights, drainage systems, and tarred adjoining roads, is a fulfillment of Governor Makinde’s 2023 campaign promise to residents of the area. The project was conceived and executed by the Lagelu Local Government under the leadership of Hon. Kamorudeen Mudashiru.
“This strategic linkage is more than just a road; it is a lifeline,” the deputy governor said. “It will open up our rural communities, stimulate trade, ease transportation, and uplift the quality of life of our people.”
Governor Makinde emphasized that the road is part of a broader dualised corridor stretching from Idi-Ape through Basorun and Akobo-Ojurin to Olorunda Abaa and Eniosa Junction. He also highlighted other landmark projects completed by his administration, including:
The 76.7km Ogbomoso–Fapote–Iseyin Road;
The 34.85km Oyo–Iseyin Road;
The dualised 12.5km Challenge–Odo Ona–Elewe–Apata Road;
The reconstructed Moniya–Iseyin Road; and
The Airport–Ajia–New Ife Expressway with a spur to Amuloko.
“These projects are all part of the Omituntun 2.0 roadmap,” the governor said. “Under this agenda, each of our 33 local governments is a beneficiary of people-oriented developments—from roads to schools, health centers, electrification, and water projects.”
Speaking earlier, Hon. Kamorudeen Mudashiru expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for giving local governments the autonomy and support needed to execute developmental projects. He noted that the success of the road project is a testament to the functionality of local government autonomy in the state.
Also speaking at the event, the contractor’s representative, Engr. Okoro Hyginus of Samchase Nigeria Limited, said the road features a smooth and durable surface to improve vehicular movement and economic activity in Akobo and Olorunda Abaa.
Dignitaries present at the commissioning included former Deputy Governor Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin (represented by Hon. Gbenga Oyekola); members of the National and State Assemblies; traditional rulers; religious leaders; and senior government officials.
In their goodwill messages, the Ololorunda of Olorunda Abaa, Oba Samuel Abiodun Folarin; former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Dr. Yemi Soladoye; and PDP chieftains all lauded Governor Makinde’s delivery of democratic dividends and fulfillment of campaign promises.
“Omituntun 2.0 is working,” the deputy governor declared. “Oyo State is moving forward, and we must sustain the momentum toward 2027 and beyond.”
