Mr Governor, Gboyega Oyetola had told those who care to listen that he will build a flyover in Oshogbo at Ola Iya junction this year. Whether a flyover is the most pressing need of the people of Oshogbo and environs is a debatable topic. Before I am misconstrued, may I make it clear that I do not hate Oshogbo land. Few days ago, I had the honour to relate very well with His Majesty, the Ataoja of Oshogbo Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun being a good father figure at the party of His Majesty Kabiesi, the Timi of Ede. I was relatively close to the palace in Oshogbo during the reign of the immediate past Ataoja, Kabiesi Oyewale Matanmi of blessed memory. Therefore I hold Oshogbo land and her people in profound esteem. However, the question needed be probed if Oyetola is proposing the flyover for the love of Oshogbo or for his parochial gains?
No natural traffic gridlock at Ola Iya junction had lasted beyond reasonability. Sometimes between 5-10 minutes. Why is it then compulsory for Oyetola to build bridge where there is no water? The answers are not far fetched.
Governor Oyetola remains unpopular with the grassroots despite his desperation. His handlers has therefore arrest the mind of their bankroll baron to think that building of a flyover is the antidote to achieve popularity. However Oyetola must retrospect to know and ask himself if past Governors labour to get popularity in Osun State history. My mind recalled late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, the propounded of political fame and first executive Governor of Osun State. In fairness, Minister Rauf Aregbesola got his popularity puzzle resolved too without hard labour like Oyetola is today struggling.
What is the need for a flyover bridge in a state like Osun State where pipe borne water has become an annually sparse dividend. The Ede Waterworks used to be a pride supplying and meeting the amenity need of Ede and nothing less than other 17 other local governments covering over half of the geographic entity called Osun State. Today, Ede Waterworks lives on past glory as it is no longer supported to supply water to Ede alone talk less of Osun State. This is a priority need of the electorates. However Governor Oyetola enjoys showbiz to chase clout.
Oshogbo has a plethora of moribund companies that could be revived and as such provide employment for the Sons and Daughters of Oshogbo thereby boosting the local economy but here is a Governor who supposedly is hyped as an encyclopedia disappointing his height.
It is alarming that nobody knows the amount that Oyetola intended to spend on his flyover bridge. When his Special Adviser on Works and Transport was asked the question on how much the flyover bridge will cost, the helpless Man retorted that he does not know. At that point, it was safe to conclude that beyond the objective of comfort for the people, all Oyetola is interested in on his so called needless flyover bridge is profit. Understandably, electioneering is ticking and the Mr Governor will require money which cab be made on the flyover bridge.
One thing is sacrosanct, the Governor should be conscious that he will give account of his stewardship before the people someday and ultimately before God. In his mind, he should answer the question if his desperation to build flyover against the backdrop of resounding agitation to the otherwise is for himself or the road pliers of Oshogbo? I wonder why this administration does not fancy transparency in governance. Oyetola alone knows why he want to compulsorily build an unwanted flyover but posterity beckons. This was the same way we cautioned when billions of naira was being expended on the airport project at Ido Osun but we have been vindicated today.
If Oyetola thinks he is responsible to the people of the state, his Excellency should think twice before embarking on his flyover bridge which is considered largely unnecessary.
Akintunde Bello Sheriff ABS writes from Ede, Osun State
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