Osun monarch begs Adeleke to avoid religious crisis over road project

The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, has begged the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the contractor handling the Ereja Square road dualisation to avoid a religious crisis over the project.

Adeleke had in April this year flagged off the construction of the road awarded to Horizon Nigeria Limited and Showie-tee Global Services Limited at the cost of N16.5 billion with a duration period of 12 months.

Following the demolition of buildings on the road, residents of Ilesa have alleged bias in implementing the road designs after some buildings, including religious centres marked for demolition, were reportedly spared.

Speaking to journalists after a stakeholders’ meeting at the palace square on Wednesday, the monarch demanded that the project’s contractors should liaise with the palace committee on the road to enable them to execute it effectively.

Oba Aromolaran, who was represented at the meeting by the Obaala of Ijesaland, High Chief Ibitoye Adeniyi, urged the contractors not to be biased in executing the project.

He said: “Our concern over the ongoing dualisation projects is the alleged selective demolition of properties marked for such action.

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“We have heard that some places of worship, including the mosque around Ereja Square have been spared, while some that were not marked at all are about to be demolished. These issues are about to create a crisis which the palace is not comfortable with.

“We therefore appeal to the contractors and the State Government to, in the interest of Ilesa town ensure objectivity in the execution of the project. We don’t want any religious crisis whatsoever. We also appeal to Governor Adeleke to help talk to the contractor to ensure timely delivery of the project.”

The monarch also appealed to Ilesa residents, including house owners to remain calm and assured that the matter would be resolved amicably by the state government.

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