…Contractor promises December 15 completion
The Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, has inspected the ongoing construction of the Lagere Flyover in Ile-Ife, with the project contractor assuring that the landmark infrastructure will be completed and commissioned by December 15, 2025.
Governor Adeleke, who was accompanied by top government officials, also proceeded to Agbofieti to flag off the rehabilitation of the Agbofieti Road before paying a courtesy visit to the Arole Oodua, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife on Wednesday, 29th October, 2025.
Welcoming the Governor on behalf of the Ooni, High Chief Adekola Adesiyan, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, expressed appreciation to Governor Adeleke for his numerous developmental projects in the ancient city since assuming office.
He appealed for further intervention in the renovation of old roads and the construction of new ones, noting that while the Lagere Flyover remains a landmark project, more infrastructural attention is needed in Ile-Ife.
Chief Adesiyan highlighted the distinguished record of the Adeleke family in Osun politics, describing it as “a lineage of achievers.”
“Your father was a Senator, your elder brother was a Senator, and you yourself became a Senator before emerging as Governor. This is remarkable and historic,” he said.
The Lowa Adimula further urged the Governor to “join hands with all Yoruba sons and daughters to develop Ile-Ife, the cradle of humanity,” emphasizing that Ife deserves focused development just as other regions preserve their heritage.
Recalling his personal interaction with the Governor during preparations for the Olojo Festival 2025, Chief Adesiyan narrated how Governor Adeleke immediately responded to his appeal for road repairs ahead of the festival. He also appealed for urgent renovation of major roads as the Ooni’s 10th Coronation Anniversary approaches.
Speaking in the same vein, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, described Governor Adeleke as “a worthy son of Osun” and commended his humility and developmental zeal.
He recalled that during his campaign, Adeleke promised to transform Ife and he has indeed fulfilled part of that promise but urged him to “do more, especially in road infrastructure.”
He also encouraged the Governor to reconcile and bring closer those who may still be politically distant, emphasizing unity in the service of the people.
Also speaking, the former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Wale Ladipo (popularly known as Wale Nigeria), lauded Governor Adeleke as “the most peaceful leader I have ever encountered.”
He recounted how the Governor has extended opportunities even to members of the opposition, describing him as “a unifier and God-fearing leader.”
Professor Ladipo acknowledged the support of Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, former Osun PDP Chairman, and Mr. Sunday Bisi, the current State Chairman, for their continuous commitment to the development of Ile-Ife.
He reminded the gathering that the idea of the Lagere Flyover initially faced public resistance, but the Ooni, as a visionary monarch, supported it as a “monument of history.” He appealed to the Governor to also rehabilitate the Iremo Road, which leads directly to the Ooni’s palace.
“Iremo Road is a major priority because it leads to the palace of our father, the Arole Oodua. We are confident the Governor will respond to this request,” he said.
Responding, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his unwavering love for Ile-Ife, describing the city as “the cradle of the Yoruba race and a special place in Osun’s development blueprint.”
“When I was campaigning, I made it clear that I was not happy with the condition of Ife. With God giving us a great monarch like the Ooni, Ife deserves the best. That’s why I made it a priority in my development plan,” the Governor stated.
He disclosed that 13 major roads have already been completed in Ife, while several others are at various stages of completion.
“By December, there will be no abandoned road project in Ife. Today, we also flagged off the Agbofieti Road reconstruction, and I assure you that the Flyover will be ready by December 15,” Adeleke announced.
Governor Adeleke further highlighted his administration’s achievements, noting that despite financial challenges, Osun remains the leading state in the Southwest in education and ranks first in healthcare delivery.
“We are paying salaries and pensions promptly. I’m called the ‘Talk and Do’ Governor for a reason, we don’t make empty promises,” he said.
In his royal remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, expressed profound affection for the Governor, describing him as “a happy and respectful leader who loves his people sincerely.”
“It is difficult to fight someone who is always happy. Governor Adeleke respects this throne and has always supported the development of Ife. This throne will always pray for him and grant his heart’s desires,” Ooni declared.
The revered monarch also appreciated the Governor for supporting Barrister Jimi Bada, an Ife indigene, in his pursuit of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
He commended Professor Wale Ladipo for fostering unity among Ife chiefs, particularly between the Lowa and Obalufe, in the spirit of progress and cooperation.
Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, the Chief of Staff, the Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the Osun PDP Chairman and several High Chiefs of Ife.
