Adeleke bans heavy duty trucks from Olaiya Flyover, gives reason

Governor Ademola Adeleke

Published By: Taiwo Okanlawon

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has stated the reason for banning heavy-duty trucks and trailers from plying the Olaiya Flyover in Osogbo.

Governor Adeleke said the ban was necessary to ensure public safety, and assured that there is no decision to demolish the bridge by his administration.

Speaking through Olawale Rasheed, his spokesperson in a statement on Thursday, Adeleke disclosed that the decision to ban the heavy-duty trucks was also a resolution of the State Security Council, whose members raised alarm over the recent influx of trailers and trucks on Osun roads.

He added that public safety was the primary and secondary motivation behind this decision.

The statement came as a response to allegations of political bias by the opposition headed by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The leadership of the APC in the state called the move unnecessary and demanded proof to justify claims about the bridge’s safety.

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The PDP also countering the APC said the decision taken by Governor Adeleke was based on the alarm raised by motorists plying the Olaiya Flyover.

Meanwhile, Adeleke in the statement insisted that he has a sacred duty to take steps to secure public assets and residents, especially in the face of two major developments in the last few weeks.

“Several technical reports have been submitted to the Governor on the deteriorating state of some sections of the bridge in recent times. As early as January, some public interest engineers approached the government to conduct an integrity test on the bridge. Similar conclusion was reached recently during a technical visit to the state by some national leaders of the construction industry.

“Several state leaders have also visited and examined the bridge with a verdict of urgency of action to preserve the assets while at the same time ensuring public safety. Members of the public can also conduct similar visits on top and around the bridge.

“While the technical review is ongoing, a new development in the transport sector warranted a preemptive action to limit the load burden on the bridge. Due to road closure along the Ibadan-Ogbomoso axis, more heavy-duty trucks now use Osun roads, mostly passing through the bridge. Banning those trailers foreclosed any untoward happenings.

“I also want to inform the opposition that it was at the State Security Council meeting composed of security services commanders that the safety issue around Olaiya bridge was raised and resolution taken. All actors genuinely acted in the interest of the general public without political bias.”