Revd Benson Ekujumi former Ilaje Eseodo LG Chairman Writes Governor Aiyedatiwa on Diversion of Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway
His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Ondo State,
Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The CASE OF DIVERSION OF LAGOS TO CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY PROJECT
Good morning sir.
I write with great humility, and deep sense of responsibility as a former Executive Chairman of Ilaje/Ese-odo Local Government Council, and also as an Elder Statesman of Ilaje land.
I have taken time to study the issue of the Lagos to Calabar Coastal Highway Project as it affected the Coastal shores from Lagos to Calabar right from the administration of late President Muhamadu Buhari, GCFR.
The bold decision taken by the current President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. is highly commendable.
I am aware of the fact that different Surveyors participated in the land survey design of the Coastal areas and how environmental impact assessments (EIAs) were carried out.
I am also made to understand the original route the highway was to follow in Ilaje land before crossing to Delta State.
I am also aware of the fact that the Hon. Minister of Works held stakeholders meetings with the people of Ondo State by requesting for their views and reactions, one or two of such meetings His Excellency was in attendance.
The time the design later changed would probably not have been communicated to H.Exc. for the State's reaction.
Be that as it may, the diversion from around Upare northwards with the highway following the Ijaw Arogbo swampy land onward to Edo State, and back to Warri north, to Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and down to Calabar was an afterthought. The new design is not only longer but also costlier and has also demonstrated a hidden agenda.
Also, the excuse given over the cost of constructing highway bridges over the silty and muddy soil in Ugbo sub-region was untenable.
The area is one of the places that makes Ondo State to be the fifth largest crude oil producer in Nigeria.
There is no amount of funds that can be too much for the federal government to invest in providing such facility for the people in Ondo South and particularly the people of Ilaje and Eseodo. It is an enduring and sustainable development project that would impact the lives of the people.
Therefore, the people should not be shortchanged over trivialities and cost of construction.
MY HUMBLE SUGGESTION
I will want to recommend that His Excellency should assemble the following stakeholders for an in-house meeting to reach decision/ take a stand before meeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Hon. Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi on the issue of reverting back to the original survey plan where Surveyor Benson Mekuleyi and others were involved.
For this, I am suggesting the following personalities:
All the three Ministers from Ondo State; Senator, and Hon. Members of the House of Representatives from Ondo South, and the State Members of the House of Assembly from Ondo South, the Representatives of Ondo State in NDDC, and Federal appointees,
Surveyor Benson Mekuleyi, Mr. Benson Omosuyi Obayelu (Geologist), Dr. Banji Ajaka, Barr. Olusola Ebiseni, Barr. Benson Enikuomehin, Barr. Olusola Oke, SAN; the Chairman, Executive Director of Projects, and the Secretary of OSOPADEC; the Chairmen of Ilaje and Eseodo local government councils, His Holiness, Oba Micah Ajijo, the Ogeloyinbo of Aiyetoro; HRH the Odoka of Obe Ogbaro, Oba Modiademu Ogbaro, the Amapetu of Mahin land, Oba Akinyomi, and two or three prominent Ilajes to join the eminent personalities.
In the interim, a pre- meeting could be held with the Hon. Minister of Works as a matter demanding urgent attention. The Minister would definitely convey the outcome of the very important meeting to Mr. President as soon as he is back to the country.
Meeting with the President later would be to receive his political will and acceptance of the peoples' demand.
H. Exc. I want to thank you so much for all your past efforts.
This is a battle that has to be fought and won by your administration as a sitting Governor and most importantly as an indigene of that area. We must be united for this common course. God will help us.
This is the time for people to subsume ego, and bury political grievances and differences no matter what, and for all to agree towards a common goal.
I so humbly submit.
God bless the good people of Ilaje and Eseodo local government areas.
God bless the good people of Ondo State.
God bless the good people of Nigeria.
Sgd.
Benson Aiyedun Ekujumi, FNIM; MABE (UK).
Fmr. Chairman of Ilaje/ Eseodo local government council.
25/09/2026.
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