Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has once again emphasized his ban on heavy-duty trucks and trailers from using the Olaiya Flyover to enhance public safety.
He also confirmed that there are no plans for his administration to demolish the bridge. In a statement issued on Thursday via his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke explained that the decision to restrict heavy-duty vehicles was made by the State Security Council, which raised concerns about the rising number of trucks on Osun roads.
Adeleke stated that public safety was the primary reason for this decision. His remarks were in response to claims of political bias from the opposition, particularly from the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The APC previously described the ban as unnecessary and requested evidence regarding the safety of the bridge. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), however, countered that Adeleke’s decision stemmed from concerns expressed by motorists using the flyover.
In his statement, Adeleke underscored his obligation to protect public assets and residents, especially following two significant incidents in recent weeks. He mentioned that various technical reports have indicated the bridge’s deteriorating condition, with engineers having previously urged the government to perform an integrity assessment. Similar findings were reported during a recent technical visit by national construction leaders.
Adeleke also pointed out that state officials have examined the bridge and concluded that immediate action is needed to safeguard it and ensure public safety. He invited the public to inspect the bridge themselves.
The governor noted that the ongoing technical review and recent changes in the transport sector required proactive measures to alleviate the bridge’s load. With road closures on the Ibadan-Ogbomoso route, many heavy-duty trucks have been rerouting through Osun roads, increasing traffic over the bridge. The ban on these vehicles is intended to avert any potential accidents.
Finally, he reiterated that the safety issues surrounding the Olaiya Flyover were discussed at a State Security Council meeting attended by security service commanders, emphasizing that the decisions made were in the best interest of the public without any political motives.