Ekiti #7.3Billon Project has caused controversy as a resident of the State raised an alarm over the approval of of the project by Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for the rehabilitation of the 20km Ikogosi–Ipole–Efon Alaaye Road, describing the project as fraudulent and unnecessary.
The resident, who recently travelled on the road, told SaharaReporters that the highway was largely motorable and had only two potholes, unlike other roads in the state that are completely impassable.
I am on the newly approved N7.3 billion, 20km Ikogosi–Ipole–Efon Alaaye Road.
I can categorically tell you that the highway is largely motorable and has only two potholes, unlike other roads in the state that are completely impassable.
This project is fraudulent and unnecessary. Where are we heading in Ekiti with this high level of monumental fraud going on?
How can our governor be planning to spend N7.3 billion on a 20km road with just two potholes, while the real roads people are crying about remain abandoned? the resident lamented.
The contract, announced after a virtual State Executive Council meeting on September 4, 2025, was awarded to Wals and Funs Nigeria Limited, a company linked to one Wale Olatunji.
Also some residents have expressed doubts about the firm’s competence, noting that it lacks a verifiable track record in handling road projects of such magnitude.
Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, defended the project, stating that the scope would include clearing, earthworks, concrete drains, pavement construction, and asphalt laying, with completion expected in 24 months.
Olatubosun revealed that the road upgrade was in line with Governor Oyebanji’s infrastructure agenda and aimed at easing residents’ hardship, boosting socio-economic activities, and improving security in the area.
However, the resident insists that the project is another,
conduit pipe to siphon public funds.
What we see here is just a recycling of the same fraudulent pattern; abandon the critical federal roads like Ado–Ijan–Iluomoba–Ikare that have become death traps, and throw billions at roads that need little or no repair.
The contractor itself looks shady, another source said.
During his second anniversary celebrations, the Ikogosi–Efon Road was among the 10 major roads inaugurated by former Governor Kayode Fayemi in 2012.
Fayemi had touted the projects, including the Erijinyan–Ilawe, Odo Owa–Oke Ila, Ado–Ilawe, and Ado–Afao roads, as crucial investments to end commuters’ “harrowing experiences” and boost the state’s economy.
Meanwhile, Ekiti residents and transporters continue to groan over the deplorable state of major federal roads, particularly the Ado–Ijan–Iluomoba–Ikare highway, which links the state to Abuja and Ondo.
Despite repeated assurances from the Federal Government and the Minister of Works, the road remains in ruins.
Popular gospel comedian Ayo Ajewole (Woli Agba) recently joined calls for urgent repairs, lamenting that bad roads pose serious risks to users.
He recalled how Nollywood actor Kunle Afod also raised concerns about Ekiti’s roads but was attacked by indigenes who claimed he only wanted to mock the state.
Woli Agba revealed that during a live video appeal, he suffered flat tyres due to the poor condition of the road.
He urged Ekiti people to vote for leaders with practical competence.
If light is your problem, vote for electricians. If it’s water, vote for plumbers. And if it’s roads, then vote for construction engineers as governors, he said.
The N7.3 billion approval has since triggered fresh anger, with many accusing the Oyebanji-led government of prioritising contracts that serve political and private interests over the real infrastructural needs of citizens.
