Osun Flyover Fiasco: Governor Adeleke's N20bn Project Branded 'Death Trap' Amid Probe Calls

The newly commissioned Lameco Flyover in Osogbo, Osun State, has become the focal point of a significant controversy, with reports emerging of structural defects shortly after its completion. This situation has ignited public concern over engineering standards, accountability in public infrastructure projects, and the judicious use of public funds.

Comrade Olajide Esan, the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) for the August 2026 Osun State governorship election, was involved in a confrontation with operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, on Thursday. The incident occurred as Esan attempted to inspect the controversial flyover to assess reports of structural defects. Video footage shows Amotekun operatives restricting access to the bridge with barricades and physically pushing Esan away when he tried to record the scene. Voices in the video criticized the use of force, emphasizing that Esan remained outside the barricaded area and that state government officials were already undertaking repair works on the damaged bridge, while security personnel prevented public access. Esan stated his visit aimed to independently assess the defects, which he described as a serious issue, having previously cautioned the Osun State Government to ensure strict adherence to engineering specifications.

The African Action Congress (AAC) in Osun State has officially alleged that the Lameco Flyover is developing structural defects, labeling it a "death trap." In a statement, the party's State Publicity Secretary, Akinlade Semiu Babatunde, accused Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration of exposing thousands of road users to danger through what it called a substandard infrastructure project. The AAC claimed the flyover showed signs of cracking weeks after its commissioning, though specific evidence was not provided. The party rejected the administration's "substandard, white-elephant projects," arguing that such flyovers were needless and wasteful, with no economic or traffic justification for a multi-billion naira project at Lameco. They demanded that the Osun State Ministry of Works, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) immediately investigate the project. Furthermore, the AAC urged motorists to avoid the flyover pending a structural assessment and called for its demolition and reconstruction if defects are confirmed, asserting that "no amount of patch-patch and paint can save this disaster." The party also demanded a full, transparent, and public investigation into the flyover and other capital projects, advocating for the prosecution of those responsible for any construction defects.

Adding to the outcry, the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council also raised alarms over the Lameco Flyover, stating it is valued at over ₦20 billion and is already showing signs of structural defects. Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, Head of Media and Publicity for the APC campaign council, accused Governor Adeleke's administration of delivering a substandard project and demanded the immediate closure of the flyover for an independent structural integrity assessment. Preliminary findings and reports cited by the council indicated visible signs of structural failure, including a deep pothole and other distress points, barely a month post-commissioning. The APC council highlighted concerns about the quality of construction and the project's integrity, warning of threats to public safety. They noted that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, an engineer, reportedly boycotted the commissioning due to concerns, which the APC viewed as a vindication of their earlier advice to him against endorsing a project of questionable quality. The APC critically pointed out that the Lameco Flyover was allegedly awarded to Kimzee Global Investment, a company known primarily for skills acquisition, arts, and craft training, rather than civil engineering, raising serious questions about procurement standards and due diligence. They further alleged that the project cost exceeded ₦20 billion due to secret and non-transparent variations. The APC council asserted that the flyover was never a priority project based on traffic studies and that delivering an unsafe project is irresponsible and a betrayal of public trust. They reiterated accusations that the Adeleke government has a pattern of awarding multi-billion-naira projects to companies unqualified in civil engineering, leading to rapid defects. In light of these grave concerns, the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council urged Governor Adeleke to order the flyover's immediate closure to prevent potential endangerment of lives.