The Egba Economic Summit Group, an apolitical organization focused on regional advancement, has formally communicated its concerns to the Minister of Works, Dr. David Umahi, regarding the protracted delay in the completion of the Abeokuta-Ajebo Road. The group’s letter highlights the negative impact of this delay on the area’s economic prospects and overall security.
This vital road, originating in the Idi Aba area of Abeokuta, is designed to connect three local government areas within Ogun State to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The Egba Economic Summit Group emphasizes its crucial role as a key alternative route.
In a letter dated January 16, 2026, Dr. Gbenga Adeoye, President of the Summit, outlined eight specific points of concern to Minister Umahi. Copies of the letter were also sent to influential figures, including the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Osinle of Okeona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; the Olowu, Oba Saka Matemilola; former Governor Olusegun Osoba; and Chief Olusegun Osunkeye.
The group commended the federal government’s ongoing infrastructure projects under the “Renewed Hope” initiative, particularly noting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway (passing through Ijebu Water Side) and the Badagry-Sokoto Road project (via Soyoye Rounder in Abeokuta). They also lauded the Minister’s directive for nighttime repairs on the Sango-Abeokuta Road.
The letter stated, “While we acknowledge and appreciate governmental progress, we are also compelled as Egba citizens to bring to your attention projects of significant economic importance that are experiencing delays, stagnation, or a complete lack of progress.”
Specifically, the group drew attention to the slow progress on the “ABEOKUTA IDI-ABA-OGTV-AJEBO-OBAFEMI-EXPRESS ROAD,” which runs past the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, through OGTV, and onward to Obafemi and Ajebo, ultimately linking to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The group also requested assurance that the initial construction standards would be maintained throughout the project, especially in rural areas, to ensure the road’s long-term durability. They cautioned against contractors lowering standards once outside of the main city.
The Egba Economic Summit Group expressed significant concern that the project, awarded during President Buhari’s administration, remains unfinished.
Highlighting the road’s significance, the group noted that while the section from the Federal Medical Centre to Chrisland University is in good condition, the subsequent stretch has become difficult to traverse.
The letter further emphasized the impact on the newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences (FUMMSA), whose permanent site is located along the road in Ajibayo Village. The group stated that the university’s relocation to its permanent site is impossible given the road’s current state.
The group also noted the importance of the road as an alternative to the old Ibadan-Abeokuta Road (via Apata, Bakatari, Ilugun, and Odeda to Adatan in Abeokuta) and that this alternate route also requires attention.
Furthermore, the group believes that the road has the potential to transform the economic landscape of the Obafemi-Ajebo area. A diversion at Owojo through Oyebola to Alapako-Oni could foster an industrial hub around Ajebo and surrounding villages.
The completed road would also alleviate traffic congestion on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at the Ogere axis, providing a direct route for motorists traveling between Abeokuta and Ibadan.
The Summit lamented that current excavation work has made travel difficult, contrasting sharply with the ease of travel when the road was initially constructed under Governor Olusegun Osoba.
“Therefore, we implore you to take immediate action to ensure the swift completion of this project, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the economy of Egbaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole,” the group pleaded.
“We wish you success in the new year and trust that your ministry will secure the necessary funding to complete this and other ongoing projects expeditiously,” the summit concluded.
