The Ataoja of Osogboland, His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, has expressed appreciation to the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, for his intervention in the reconstruction of the damaged Sasa Market Bridge in the Oke-Baale area of Osogbo, along the Ibokun Road.
The monarch commended the governor for responding to the concerns of residents, traders, motorists and other road users who had been affected by the condition of the bridge. He also acknowledged the state government's decision to take over the project and commence reconstruction to address the challenges associated with the damaged structure.
The appreciation was conveyed on Friday by the Asiwaju of Osogboland, retired Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe, during an inspection visit to the construction site. The visit was undertaken at the directive of the Ataoja of Osogboland to assess the progress of work and obtain firsthand information on the ongoing reconstruction.
Speaking during the inspection, Justice Adeigbe said the Ataoja was pleased with the governor's intervention and the steps taken by the relevant government agencies to ensure that the bridge received the necessary attention.
According to him, the royal father appreciates Governor Adeleke for listening to the concerns of the people and directing the Ministry of Works to take responsibility for the reconstruction of the bridge.
He noted that construction work was already in progress, adding that the ongoing project includes an expansion of the bridge beyond its previous dimensions to improve its capacity and functionality.
The Asiwaju emphasised that the intervention would help address the concerns of residents and other road users who rely on the route for their daily activities. He also expressed appreciation to the Secretary to the State Government, Bobagunwa Teslim Igbalaye, and other individuals who have contributed to the realisation of the project.
Providing technical details on the project, the Highways Maintenance Engineer supervising the construction, Engr. Ojebode, explained that the bridge was being expanded to improve its capacity and provide a more effective passage for water.
He disclosed that the width of the bridge, previously reported at approximately 0.9 metres, was being increased to about 1.5 metres as part of the reconstruction work.
The expansion is expected to improve the structure's capacity compared with its previous dimensions. The project forms part of the government's response to concerns surrounding the damaged bridge and the need to improve the infrastructure serving the Sasa Market and the wider Oke-Baale community.
Engr. Ojebode also assured the royal delegation that the Ministry of Works was committed to ensuring satisfactory delivery of the project.
He added that the ministry would continue to monitor the construction process to ensure that the work meets the required expectations.
In a related development, the Ministry of Environment is making arrangements to dredge the waterways around the Sasa stream to facilitate the smoother flow of water.
The proposed dredging is expected to complement the bridge reconstruction by addressing water-flow concerns in the area.
The intervention highlights the importance of combining infrastructure rehabilitation with effective waterway management, particularly in communities where drainage and stream channels are essential to protecting roads, bridges and surrounding properties.
The planned dredging, alongside the bridge expansion, is expected to improve water movement around the affected area. However, the overall impact will depend on the effective execution of the proposed environmental works and the continued maintenance of the waterways.
The supervising engineer reiterated the ministry's commitment to satisfactory project delivery, while the royal delegation expressed hope that the completed structure would provide lasting benefits to the community.
Also speaking during the visit, the Otun Babaloja of Sasa Market, Osogbo, and representative of the Ataoja of Osogboland in markets across the city, Alhaji Chief Kamarudeen Yusuf Efe, commended Governor Adeleke for responding to the concerns of the people through the reconstruction of the bridge.
Chief Yusuf Efe described the governor as a listening leader, noting that the intervention demonstrated the importance of government paying attention to the needs and concerns of residents.
He said the bridge serves an important role in the daily activities of traders, residents and other members of the public who use the route.
According to him, the decision to reconstruct the damaged bridge would be welcomed by the market community and other road users who depend on the route for their businesses and movement.
He expressed appreciation to the governor for addressing the issue and urged that the project be completed to the satisfaction of the people.
The inspection visit provided an opportunity for representatives of the Ataoja of Osogboland to assess the ongoing work and acknowledge the efforts of the state government and the agencies involved in the project.
The Ataoja's appreciation, conveyed through the Asiwaju of Osogboland, reflects the palace's recognition of the importance of responding to community infrastructure needs and improving facilities that support economic and social activities.
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