The Obalufe of Ile-Ife in Osun State, Oba Idowu Adediwura, has commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for executing infrastructural projects in the ancient town.
Oba Adediwura, who is the second-in-command to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said the projects have helped preserve the town’s cultural heritage and saved it from global embarrassment.
The monarch, who also heads the kingmakers, spoke on Tuesday after inspecting ongoing projects alongside officials of the Osun State Government. The inspection team was led by the Director of Highways, Moruf Ojebode.
He lamented that Ile-Ife had suffered years of infrastructural neglect. According to him, the poor state of roads often embarrassed the cradle of the Yoruba race whenever tourists visited from different parts of the world.
“It will be unfortunate when visitors come from all over the world to their source and see that most roads are not motorable. It is so embarrassing,” Oba Adediwura said.
He specifically praised the ongoing N14bn flyover project and 17 road projects initiated by the Adeleke administration, noting that they have improved access to cultural centres across the town.
“I want to commend Governor Adeleke for saving us from global embarrassment through the ongoing flyover project and other township roads,” he added.
The traditional ruler expressed optimism that improved infrastructure would boost cultural promotion and tourism in Ile-Ife, especially as the town prepares for major festivals.
“With good roads, our culture will be promoted in Ife. As we approach the Olojo festival in September and the Aje festival next week, tourists and worshippers will travel on better roads,” he said.
Speaking during the inspection, Ojebode disclosed that the N14bn flyover project was about 80 per cent complete and would be delivered within record time.
He listed completed roads to include Iredunmi–Oke Ijan, Oriyangi–St John, Manchester–Igboya, Olurin–Omi Okun, Ife City Benediction Road, London Street–Iremo, Ogbingbin–Garage Isale, Agric–Opa Ife, Akinlalu Junction–Akinlalu Town, Magistrate Court–Itamerin Yakooyo, and AP Junction Road–Itasin Junction in Modakeke.
Other completed projects include Cele Road–Ajape Junction in Modakeke, RCM Road One in Alafia Ifetedo, Moore Babaakodi, and Osun State University Road.
Ojebode added that work is ongoing on the Edunabon–Tonkere and Ayedaade roads.
