The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on Monday commissioned the newly completed Lagere Flyover Bridge in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
This is contained in a statement on Monday evening by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare.
The five-span flyover alongside the dualisation of the Mayfair Roundabout-Palace Junction Road, constructed as part of the Ile-Ife road dualisation project, was commissioned in the presence of the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; members of the State Executive Council; political leaders; traditional and community leaders, among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Ooni commended Governor Adeleke for completing the project, noting that the infrastructure would improve transportation, facilitate the movement of goods and people and stimulate commercial activities in the city.
The Ooni expressed gratitude to Olodumare for allowing the people of Ile-Ife to witness the completion of the project, recalling that he was present when the Governor commenced its construction.
He said, “We open this Lagere Flyover in the name of the people of Ife. We commission it for the use of all of us. I thank Olodumare that this is happening in our lifetime.
“I remember when Governor Adeleke started this project here. We came here and witnessed the beginning, and today, I thank God that this is happening in our lifetime.
“The beginning is not the work; the credit goes when it finishes. You have received blessings.”
‘Ife is happy with you’ — Ooni tells Adeleke
Earlier, during Governor Adeleke’s visit to the Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, the Ooni expressed appreciation to the Governor for what he described as his administration’s attention to the development needs of the ancient city.
The Ooni urged political leaders and their supporters to maintain peace and avoid violence, stressing that development should remain the priority of all stakeholders.
He said, “I thank Olodumare for the Governor. Ife Federal Constituency has the highest votes in Osun. What the Governor has done for us is good. Ile-Ife is happy with you. We thank you that you did not forget us. We are happy.”
The Ooni subsequently offered ancestral prayers and blessings for Governor Adeleke, praying for continued wisdom, peace and success in his administration.
Adeleke promises more road projects
Speaking on behalf of Governor Adeleke at the Palace, the Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Senator Lere Kamorudeen Oyewumi, said Governor Adeleke would embark on additional major road projects in Ile-Ife if the Governor is re-elected.
Oyewumi, who represents Osun West Senatorial District in the Senate, said the proposed projects would include the dualisation of the Lagere–Ilesha Garage and Enuwa–Ilesha Garage roads.
He explained that the projects would complement the newly completed Lagere Flyover and further improve the road network and traffic movement within the ancient city.
The Senator also disclosed that the administration would strengthen its support for the traditional institution, saying five percent of the allocation to the Council of Obas would be made available directly to the traditional institution if Governor Adeleke is re-elected.
Oyewumi also highlighted some of the administration’s interventions in pension payments and healthcare, stressing that the government had implemented several programmes and projects without taking loans.
‘I love Ife, I want it well developed’ — Adeleke
Speaking at the Palace, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Ile-Ife, describing the ancient city as one that deserves sustained investment in infrastructure.
The Governor said his affection for Ile-Ife had strengthened his determination to support projects that would improve the city’s physical infrastructure and economic prospects.
He said, “Anytime I come to see Ooni, I love Ife. I love Ile-Ife and I want Ile-Ife to be well developed.”
He said his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure projects that would make movement easier, support economic activities and improve the overall standard of living of residents.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife for their support, assuring that the state government would continue to explore opportunities to bring more development projects to the ancient city.