The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, and the Okere of Sakiland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a series of major road infrastructure projects valued at over ₦1.137 trillion across Oyo State.

The royal fathers described the approvals as a landmark intervention that would significantly transform transportation, stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance the overall welfare of residents across the state.

In a statement issued by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the construction of the Oyo Circular Road spanning Ijawaya–Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC)–Sabo–Ilora–Akinmorin within Oyo Federal Constituency.

The monarch recalled that during his recent visit to President Tinubu at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, discussions centred on the urgent need for critical infrastructure development within Oyo metropolis to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people.

According to the Alaafin, decades of poor road infrastructure had posed severe challenges to residents, farmers, traders, and businesses operating within the ancient city.

He noted that the newly approved circular road would open up economic opportunities, facilitate easier access to markets, reduce travel time, minimise post-harvest losses, improve healthcare access, and strengthen inter-community connectivity.

“This landmark project stands as a testament to the President’s commitment to grassroots development and the dividends of democracy. We appreciate his dedication to the infrastructural transformation of our nation and remain supportive of his administration’s efforts to bring progress to our people,” the monarch stated.

Oba Owoade also acknowledged the contributions of prominent sons of Oyo, including Engr. Idris Adeoye Adegboyega, Alhaji Wasiu Adebisi, and the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, for their support and commitment towards the development of Oyo metropolis.

Similarly, the Okere of Sakiland, Oba Oyedepo III, praised President Tinubu for approving ₦265 billion for the reconstruction of the Iseyin–Ipapo–Baasi–Saki–Ilesha Baruba Road, describing the project as a long-awaited breakthrough for the Oke-Ogun region and neighbouring communities.

The royal father said the approval vindicated years of advocacy by traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders who had consistently appealed to the Federal Government to rehabilitate the strategic highway.

He expressed confidence that the project would improve connectivity, facilitate trade, boost agricultural productivity, attract investments, and strengthen economic activities between Oyo and Kwara States.

Kabiyesi further reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with government agencies and development partners to attract more impactful projects to Sakiland and the wider Oke-Ogun region.

The commendations came on the heels of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, where the Federal Government approved road and infrastructure projects worth over ₦3.94 trillion nationwide.

Out of the approved projects, Oyo State secured road projects valued at approximately ₦1.137 trillion, making it one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s infrastructure investment drive.

Major projects approved for Oyo State include:

• ₦276 billion for the dualisation of the Ilorin–Ogbomoso Road.
• ₦265 billion for the reconstruction of the Iseyin–Ipapo–Baasi–Saki–Ilesha Baruba Road corridor.
• ₦217 billion for the dualisation of the old alignment from Ijaye through FGGC to Ilorin Road with a spur to Akinmorin.
• ₦110 billion for the Ogbomoso–Oko–Ilupu Road linking Oyo and Osun States.
• ₦98 billion for the construction of the 30-kilometre Idi-Araba–Ayede–Olodo Road.
• ₦82 billion for the rehabilitation of Igbeti Road.
• ₦74 billion for the construction of the Igbeti–Soro–Kishi Road.
• ₦15.5 billion for the 13-kilometre Badeku–Jaiye Road.

The projects cut across all three senatorial districts of Oyo State and are expected to improve regional integration, ease transportation challenges, create jobs, stimulate commerce, and accelerate economic development.

Observers have described the approvals as one of the largest single rounds of federal infrastructure investment ever directed to Oyo State, reflecting the strategic importance of the state within the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The two monarchs prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and good health for President Tinubu as he continues to steer the affairs of the nation, while expressing optimism that the projects would usher in a new era of growth, prosperity, and development for Oyo State.