• Ogun to gain massive economic boost, lawmaker says
• Federal road to open markets for farmers, raise IGR
• Foundation laid for two ultra-modern palaces in Ogun West
The lawmaker representing Egbado South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, has assured Nigerians, particularly residents of the South-West, that the ongoing Sokoto–Badagry Federal Highway will be completed before the end of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Akinlade said the project, when completed, would significantly boost economic activities across communities along the corridor, especially in Ogun State, by improving access to markets for agricultural produce and enhancing the state’s internally generated revenue.
The lawmaker spoke on Tuesday during the foundation-laying ceremony of two ultra-modern palaces in Ilobi (Egbado South) and Alaari (Ipokia) areas of Ogun State.
He described the Sokoto–Badagry highway as a strategic national project that remains a priority for the Tinubu-led Federal Government, adding that the administration was committed to ensuring its timely completion.
“Ogun State will benefit immensely from this road. It will open up economic opportunities, ease transportation of farm produce, and stimulate growth across our communities,” Akinlade said.
He disclosed that more than 16 towns and traditional rulers had already benefited from Phase I and Phase II of the ultra-modern palace initiative, which began last year, noting that all projects would be completed and commissioned by April 2026.
The four-term lawmaker explained that the initiative was aimed at preserving cultural heritage, strengthening traditional institutions, and involving traditional rulers more actively in governance to promote peace and stability.
According to him, construction work on the palaces is at an advanced stage and would be completed within the next three to four months.
“This is a novel idea to ensure peace and tranquillity in our society. Traditional institutions must be strengthened to contribute meaningfully to development and conflict resolution,” he added.
Akinlade stressed that Nigeria’s culture and traditions were fast eroding, warning that urgent steps were needed to prevent them from going into extinction.
“As a proud Yoruba man with a rich cultural background, it is important that our traditional rulers have befitting modern palaces that reflect their status and relevance,” he said.
He further explained that the palace projects formed part of his constituency projects and were designed to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“The choice of these palaces is to restore the rightful place of traditional institutions in governance and give communities a unifying centre for peace,” he added.
The lawmaker maintained that the Federal Government was doing everything possible to ensure that the Sokoto–Badagry road is completed within the lifespan of the present administration, noting that the project would bring relief and prosperity to the South-West.
Speaking earlier, the Olobi of Ilobi, Oba Saliu Adedokun Ajibade, commended Akinlade for his developmental initiatives and commitment to preserving traditional institutions.
He urged the Federal Government to expedite work on the Sokoto–Badagry road, noting that Ilobi and Ogun State would benefit greatly from the project.
According to the monarch, the road, which passes through Ilobi to Badagry, would significantly boost agricultural trade by providing farmers easier access to markets.
“Building modern palaces is central to preserving our heritage and giving traditional rulers their rightful place in governance,” Oba Ajibade said.
