The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State has rejected what it described as misplaced criticism of the planned Oba-Adesida Flyover Project in Akure,vthe state capital, by one of its chieftains, Chief Alexander Oluremi Ajipe.
In a statement by its Director of Media & Publicity Mr, Steve Otaloro, the party said:
“The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Chapter, has noted with concern the public criticism of the proposed Oba-Adesida Flyover Project in Akure by one of our respected party leaders, Chief (Dr.) Alexander Oluremi Ajipe.
“While we recognize and respect the right of every citizen to hold and express opinions on matters of governance, we find it surprising that a prominent APC chieftain would choose the media as the first platform to criticize a major government infrastructure initiative instead of utilizing the numerous internal party channels available for constructive engagement.
“The APC remains a democratic institution with established structures, including periodic stakeholders’ meetings, leadership consultations, and party forums where policy concerns and developmental suggestions can be robustly discussed.
“It is therefore difficult to understand why a matter of this nature could not have been presented before party leaders and government officials through these established mechanisms.
“More importantly, the argument that Ondo State must choose between infrastructure development and economic development is a false choice. Responsible governments pursue both simultaneously.
“The decision of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to approve the construction of the 2.38-kilometre flyover along Oba-Adesida Road from Adegbola Junction to St. Matthias/NNPC Filling Station at Alagbaka was not based on political considerations but on professional traffic studies which identified the Alagbaka-FUTA corridor as one of the most congested traffic routes in Akure. The recommendation of experts was clear: a flyover remains the most effective long-term solution to the persistent traffic bottleneck along that axis.
Only a few weeks ago, Ondo State commissioned its first flyover at the Onyearugbulem-Shagari-Irese corridor.
“The project has already been widely acknowledged as a strategic intervention designed to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, and stimulate commercial and industrial activities within the state capital. Vice President Kashim Shettima described the project as a major boost to economic development, while Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized its role in addressing long-standing transportation challenges.
“Infrastructure and economic development are not opposing objectives. Roads, bridges, flyovers, and transportation networks are the very arteries through which economic activities flow. Investors are attracted to locations with efficient transportation systems. Businesses thrive where goods and services move without unnecessary delays. Workers become more productive when time wasted in traffic is reduced.
“It is also important to state that the Aiyedatiwa administration has not abandoned other sectors of development. Across Ondo State, road projects, water infrastructure, urban renewal initiatives, and other strategic investments are ongoing as part of a comprehensive development agenda aimed at improving economic opportunities and quality of life for residents.
“The APC therefore urges party members and stakeholders to support policies that will transform Akure into a modern state capital and position Ondo State competitively among the leading states in Nigeria.
“Constructive criticism remains welcome in our democracy. However, such criticism should be guided by facts, informed by expert studies, and channeled through appropriate party structures before being amplified in the public domain.
“Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated through action that his administration is committed to both infrastructure expansion and economic growth.
“The proposed Oba-Adesida Flyover is not a monument; it is a strategic investment in the future mobility, safety, productivity, and prosperity of Ondo State.”
