Cede Federal Roads To States, Ogun Monarch Tells FG
The Olota of Ota in Ogun State, Prof Adeyemi Obalanlege, has called on the Federal Government to cede ownership and maintenance of federal roads to state governments.
He argued that the federal government is too far away to look after the roads.
The monarch said this when he led the Awori Obas Forum and the Olota-in-Council to the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, in his office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Obalanlege attributed the bad condition of federal roads in Ogun State, particularly in Ota axis, to the refusal of the federal government to repair, maintain or cede the maintenance and repair of the roads to the state governments.
He insisted that states would be in the best position to give adequate maintenance to them.
“In the first instance, it is not the job of Ogun State Government to take over federal roads, but because the Federal Government has refused to put these roads in order. And that is why the Ogun State Government wants to put it in order and that will help the people, especially in the Awori axis. So, whatever that is going to reduce the sufferings of our people, we are in support of it. All the Awori people are in support of His Excellency in ensuring that these roads are rehabilitated.
“My advice to the Federal Government is that they should concede these roads to the state government and pay them based on the kilometer of federal roads that pass through the state. This is because they are far away from looking after these roads, so, they should leave them to the state government, that is the best option,” he said.
He commended the governor for fixing some deplorable roads across the state.
“We are pleased with the good work he has been doing and to assure him of our support in the coming election. He has done wonderfully well and we believe that by the time he returns to office for a second term, he will do more and better.
“We, members of Awori Obas Forum, in Ogun State and the Olota in-Council, are together and we want to assure the governor that we will support him. With our daughter as the deputy governor, they are going to perform very well in their second term in office”, Oba Obalanlege said.
