The spokesperson for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed, defended the recent ban on heavy-duty trucks from using the Olaiya Flyover in Osogbo, describing it as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring public safety.
This statement comes in response to allegations from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, which accused Adeleke of intending to demolish the flyover out of spite for his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola.
During a press conference, former Commissioner for Works Oluremi Omowaiye, who oversaw the flyover's construction, demanded that Adeleke provide the technical reports justifying the ban. He asserted that rigorous tests were conducted throughout the bridge's construction to meet safety standards.
In his statement, Rasheed emphasized that the ban was based on recommendations from the State Security Council, which expressed concerns over an increase in heavy trucks on local roads. He stated that public safety was the primary concern behind this decision and insisted there were no plans to demolish the bridge.
Rasheed elaborated on the deteriorating condition of some sections of the flyover, referencing multiple technical reports submitted to the governor.
He noted that engineers had previously approached the government regarding an integrity test for the bridge and that recent evaluations echoed similar concerns about its state.
"The governor has a sacred duty to secure public assets and ensure resident safety," Rasheed stated. He explained that due to road closures along the Ibadan-Ogbomoso route, heavy-duty trucks have diverted to Osun roads, necessitating this pre-emptive action.
He urged critics to recognize that all decisions made were in the public interest and devoid of political bias.
