September 19, (THEWILL) — The Ogun State Government has dismissed as false claims that it halted the ongoing Paddy-Arikawe Oye Igbimo road project to settle political scores with its facilitator.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government explained that the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, was only asked to follow due process and obtain approval before continuing with the work, as the road in question is under state jurisdiction.
The statement clarified that the project was already on Governor Abiodun’s repair schedule before the contractor moved to site.
The directive, it said, was to ensure the contractor stated the scope of work and secured the necessary clearance to avoid duplication.
It further challenged those behind the report to point out any illegality in the letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. Dr. Yusuf L.O., directing the suspension of operations pending the required approval.
“No one can repair a road without permission. Even state governments must obtain approval from the Federal Government before working on federal roads.
“How then can anyone equate a request for approval on a state road to political hostility?” the statement read in part.
Citing past experience, the government recalled that Ogun was once barred from fixing the Abeokuta–Sango Ota Road until the Federal Ministry of Works under Babatunde Fashola granted approval.
The statement also noted that in February 2025, a former federal lawmaker, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, had formally applied to the state government for clearance to begin construction on four rural roads, underscoring the need for proper procedure.
Seun Shotunde, THEWILL
