Osun gov defends ban on trucks passing Olaiya Flyover

Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson for Osun State Governor, has affirmed that the prohibition on trucks using the Olaiya Flyover in Osogbo is a precautionary measure. This statement was made on Thursday in response to accusations from the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding Governor Adeleke.

During a press conference, former Commissioner for Works, Mr. Oluremi Omowaiye, who oversaw the flyover’s construction, alleged that Adeleke intends to demolish the bridge out of resentment towards his predecessor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola. Omowaiye called for the technical report that informed the ban on trucks, asserting that rigorous quality tests were conducted throughout the construction process.

In addressing the APC’s claims of political bias, Rasheed clarified that the ban on heavy trucks and trailers was enacted to protect public safety, emphasizing that there are no plans to demolish the bridge. He noted that the decision was made following a resolution from the State Security Council, which had expressed concerns about the rising number of heavy trucks on Osun roads.

Rasheed explained, “The governor has a fundamental responsibility to safeguard public assets and residents, particularly in light of recent developments. Several technical reports have highlighted the deteriorating condition of parts of the bridge. As early as January, engineers flagged the need for an integrity test on the structure, and a similar assessment was recently confirmed during a visit by national construction leaders.”

He added that various state officials have inspected the bridge and recommended urgent action to maintain its integrity while ensuring public safety. “While the technical review continues, recent changes in the transport sector necessitated a preemptive decision to alleviate the load on the bridge. Increased heavy truck traffic, especially due to road closures on the Ibadan-Ogbomoso route, prompted the ban to prevent potential incidents.”

Rasheed also informed the opposition that the safety concerns surrounding the Olaiya bridge were discussed during a State Security Council meeting, where all members acted in the public’s best interest without any political bias.