 |
| Governor Ademola Adeleke |
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State leveled a fierce critique at Governor Ademola Adeleke after a 4.76-kilometre road in Aduramigba, Ido-Osun, washed away within 24 hours of its completion. The party’s spokesman, Kola Olabisi, accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of systemic incompetence. APC leaders warned that substandard materials and unqualified contractors undermine Osun’s growth.
On May 14, 2025, the governor’s office flagged off the tarring of the road linking Trade Fair Complex to Ido-Osun Junction, traversing Adeleke Estate and Aduramigba community. The job was billed as a flagship rural infrastructure upgrade under state and federal counterfunding. Less than a day later, heavy rainfall obliterated the surface, exposing loose laterite and washed-out shoulders.
In a statement on May 21, APC spokesman Kola Olabisi said the collapse validates earlier party warnings about the PDP’s lack of technical capacity. He claimed the administration “lacks the expertise to deliver even basic civic projects” and urged an immediate probe. Olabisi demanded the contractor’s identity be made public and standards enforced.
Local dwellers marched with placards reading “No Stone Base, No Justice” and “Quality Road, Not Propaganda.” They complained that the asphalt layer peeled off, leaving mud trenches that halted traffic. One protester said the road “could not survive one storm,” calling the work “a waste of public funds.”
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecast low to moderate rainfall across Osun on May 15, 2025. While not classified as extreme, showers of 10 – 20 mm can erode unprotected soil surfaces. NiMet advised communities to prepare for flash flooding and soil erosion during this period.
Civil engineers point out that laterite, a tropical soil rich in iron and aluminum oxides, can be used as a base in low-volume roads if properly compacted and sealed. However, without a stone base and adequate drainage, laterite becomes porous and vulnerable to wash-out under rain. Proper design calls for a graded crushed-stone layer beneath asphalt to distribute loads and prevent erosion.
Experts note that the Ido-Osun road lacked both a robust sub-base and verifiable quality control tests. Standard practice requires compaction trials, moisture content checks, and a laboratory-certified stone-base layer. The reported use of raw laterite suggests cost-cutting at the expense of durability.
Within hours of the protest, Governor Adeleke ordered a joint review by the Ministries of Works and Rural Development, plus the O-RAMP project team. His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed deployment of technical officers for on-site assessment and directed remedial action using approved materials.
PDP insiders depict the incident as a rogue contractor’s fault, not government negligence. They point to the governor’s track record of rural road upgrades across Osun since 2022. The party vows to rebuild the stretch with proper oversight and to hold contractors strictly accountable.
The road collapse has heightened tension ahead of local council elections. APC leaders are framing the episode as proof that the PDP cannot manage state resources. The issue resonates in rural areas, where infrastructure quality often determines voter loyalty.
Osun has seen similar failures in past administrations. In 2019, a federal-funded road in Ifon community developed potholes within months, sparking protests. That project lacked clear oversight and a unified quality standard across contractors.
The Aduramigba road contract reportedly ran into tens of millions of naira. Engineers estimate that proper stone-base construction raises costs by 20–30%. The substitute use of laterite may have saved funds initially but risks repeated spending on repairs.
The collapsed road disrupts market access for farmers, traders, and school commuters. Residents say transport fares have doubled as vehicles detour. Prolonged closures could cost the local economy millions weekly.
Poorly drained roads become breeding grounds for stagnant water. Communities could see spikes in malaria and other water-borne diseases. Emergency responders warn that wash-outs can isolate settlements during peak rains.
Civil engineering bodies urge full geotechnical surveys before construction. They recommend installing side drains, culverts, and cambered surfaces to shed water. Regular site inspections by independent assessors would ensure compliance.
In Kwara State, a 2023 rural road was rebuilt with engineered stone base and asphalt seal. It withstood heavy rains that washed away neighboring laterite paths. That project saved funds long-term by avoiding constant repairs.
Transparency advocates call for open publication of contract documents, bill of quantities, and material test results. They argue that citizen access to project data deters substandard work.
Under Nigerian procurement laws, penalties for contractors include fines, blacklisting, and forfeiture of performance bonds. Residents are demanding full enforcement of these provisions.
The party says it will petition anti-corruption agencies to investigate alleged collusion in contract awards. APC leaders warn of mass mobilization if no swift action follows.
Adeleke has set a two-week deadline for a repair proposal. He pledged that the rebuilt road will use a stone base and meet NiMet’s climate risk guidelines. The team will produce a progress report bi-weekly.
A senior roads consultant told our correspondent that without comprehensive quality assurance, many of Osun’s rural roads face early collapse. He urged adoption of international best practices, even in low-volume settings.
Locals want clear timelines and public monitoring. They propose a joint committee of residents, engineers, and state officials to oversee reconstruction.
Hashtags like #FixAduramigbaNow trended in Osun for days. Influencers highlighted the human toll and shared on-the-ground videos of the collapse.
National outlets have spotlighted the story, comparing it to similar setbacks in other states. The issue has amplified calls for structural reform in Nigeria’s road sector.
The episode underscores Nigeria’s broader struggle with infrastructure delivery—where politics, budget pressures, and technical lapses collide.
The Ido-Osun road saga reveals deep governance faults in Osun State. Immediate repairs and policy reforms are essential to prevent repeat failures. As the rainy season intensifies, residents and politicians alike will watch closely to see if words translate into lasting infrastructure.