..….Warns of economic losses, rising security risks
….Says road is strategic link to Lagos–Ibadan Expressway
….Copies monarchs, Osoba,
Osunkeye on urgent appeal
The Egba Economic Summit Group has appealed to the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to urgently intervene and ensure the speedy completion of the long-abandoned Abeokuta Idi-Aba–OGTV–Ajebo–Obafemi–Alapako Express Road, describing the project as critical to economic growth, traffic decongestion and security in Ogun State.
The group expressed deep concern over the slow pace of work on the road, noting that continued delay poses serious danger to economic development and the safety of motorists and residents along the corridor.
In a letter dated January 16, 2026, and signed by the President of the Summit, Dr. Gbenga Adeoye, the group outlined eight major issues necessitating urgent government attention. The letter was made available to journalists in Abeokuta on Friday.
Copies of the correspondence were also sent to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola; former Governor of Ogun State and Akinrogun of Egbaland, Chief Olusegun Osoba; and the Babalaje of Egbaland, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye.
In the letter, the Egba Economic Summit Group commended the Federal Government for ongoing infrastructure initiatives across the country, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry–Sokoto Road project, and the ongoing night rehabilitation of the Sango–Abeokuta Road.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the performing members of his cabinet, including you as the Honourable Minister of Works, for the Renewed Hope Projects being executed nationwide,” the group stated.
Describing itself as a non-partisan body committed solely to economic development, the Summit stressed its responsibility to draw government attention to projects of strategic importance whose execution has been slow or stagnant.
The group specifically lamented the prolonged delay on the Abeokuta Idi-Aba–OGTV–Ajebo–Obafemi Express Road, which passes through the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, and extends to Ajebo to link the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
According to the Summit, although the section of the road within Abeokuta city appears relatively motorable, conditions deteriorate significantly after the urban stretch, making movement difficult and unsafe for road users.
The group further noted that the road serves as the access route to the permanent site of the newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), located on a 170-hectare land at Ajibayo Village.
“There is no way the university can effectively relocate from its temporary site if the construction of this road remains abandoned or progresses at the current slow pace,” the letter warned.
The Summit also highlighted the road’s importance as an alternative route to the old Ibadan–Abeokuta Road through Apata, Bakatari, Ilugun, Odeda and Adatan, as well as its role in serving Ogun State Television (OGTV).
It added that proper completion of the road, including a diversion at Owojo through Oyebola to Alapako-Oni, would unlock massive economic opportunities by creating an industrial hub around Ajebo and neighbouring communities such as Erunwon, Abiona Mosafejo and Olosun.
The group further observed that the road could significantly decongest traffic at the Ogere axis of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway by providing motorists travelling between Abeokuta and Ibadan a shorter and safer alternative route.
Expressing concern over the current state of the road, the Summit said excavation works have made life extremely difficult for motorists, noting that the route was once a smooth and popular shortcut to Ibadan when it was constructed during the administration of former Governor Olusegun Osoba.
While appealing for accelerated completion, the group also cautioned against lowering construction standards beyond the Abeokuta metropolis, particularly in rural sections, warning that such practices often reduce road durability.
“In view of the above, we plead that urgent action be taken to ensure the speedy completion of this road, as it will have a direct and positive impact on the economy of Egbaland, Ogun State and Nigeria at large,” the letter stated.
The Egba Economic Summit Group concluded by wishing the Minister success in the new year and expressing hope that adequate funding would be made available to complete the project and other ongoing road works nationwide.
