Osun Monarchs Praise Tinubu, Oyetola Over Approval of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road Project
Traditional rulers from Osun West Senatorial District have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for the approval of the 90.9-kilometre Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan road, describing the development as historic and long overdue.
Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, delivered an address at his palace in Iwo, where he said the project marks a turning point in a decades-long struggle to rehabilitate the critical road linking Osun and Oyo states.
The monarch revealed that the breakthrough followed direct intervention by Oyetola, who assured him that the Federal Government would take over and reconstruct the road. According to him, the approval was granted at a recent Federal Executive Council meeting, bringing relief to millions of commuters and residents who depend on the route.
Tracing the history of the road, Oba Akanbi noted that the Ibadan–Iwo segment was last constructed in 1977 during the military administration of David Jemibewon, while the Iwo–Osogbo stretch suffered multiple failed interventions over the years. He added that despite efforts by past administrations, including appeals made during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the road remained in poor condition.
The monarch also recounted personal efforts he undertook after his ascension in 2015, including mobilising resources to clear and rehabilitate parts of the road to ease movement for residents. He said the road had previously become nearly impassable, forcing commuters to take longer alternative routes.
Oba Akanbi further acknowledged the roles played by former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in previous attempts to fix the road, though those efforts yielded limited results.
Describing the federal government’s intervention as a major boost to economic activities, the traditional rulers noted that the road connects key cities such as Osogbo, Iwo, Ibadan and several adjoining communities, serving as a vital commercial corridor.
They expressed optimism that the reconstruction would ease transportation challenges, enhance trade, and strengthen economic ties between Osun and Oyo states.
The monarchs also pledged their continued support for President Tinubu, urging residents across their domains to rally behind his administration and sustain its developmental agenda.
They concluded by describing the road project as a symbol of renewed hope and a legacy initiative that would benefit future generations.
