The Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda, has responded to allegations made by Hon. Akin Alabi, the House of Representatives member representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, surrounding the 5.13km road construction project at Nigerian Brewery, specifically covering Monatan Junction–Adogba–Ebenezery Spur into the Nigerian Brewery Junction.
Hon. Akin Alabi had alleged that the administration of Hon. Sanda hijacked and chased away engineers from the site, a claim that Hon. Sanda’s administration has vehemently denied.
In a statement released by Asiwaju Adekola Akorede, Media Aide to the Executive Chairman, declared that Sanda’s administration reiterated his commitment to transparency and fairness in the execution of projects.
According to the statement, the road construction project is being carried out in accordance with established protocols, regulations, and the public interest. The Chairman is said to be working in line with the objectives of Governor Seyi Makinde, which include constructing high-quality roads that promote economic development at the grassroots.
The statement also corrected the notion by Alabi that the road in question is not within the jurisdiction of the local government, however it is a ‘Trunk C Road’ that falls directly under the local government’s purview.
The Egbeda Local Government Chairman has invited those making the allegations to provide evidence to support their claims and to consult with the relevant regulatory agencies.
The statement concluded by emphasizing Sanda’s commitment to serving the public interest, despite the allegations.
Dear Hon. Akin Alabi,
“I am aware of recent allegations on the X handle of Hon. Akin Alabi regarding the role of the Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda, in the road construction project at Nigerian Brewery. I would like to clarify that these allegations are entirely unfounded and misleading.
“As the Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, his primary responsibility is to ensure that all projects are executed in accordance with established protocols, regulations, and the public interest. This road construction project is no exception.
“I assure you that all decisions regarding this project have been made in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner, with the sole objective of serving the public. The Chairman is working in line with the objectives of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, which include constructing high-quality roads that can stand the test of time while promoting economic development at the grassroots.
“I have no intention of engaging in a war of words with you, but I encourage you to conduct an opinion survey on the numerous projects successfully executed under Hon. Sanda’s leadership. A mere palliative and road patching of 1.7km, which you facilitated, can never pose a threat to his person or our government. It is, therefore, disheartening that you would seek to obstruct an ongoing project.
“For your information, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, approved the ‘Full Construction’ of a 5.13km road for Egbeda Local Government. This project specifically covers Monatan Junction–Adogba–Ebenezery Spur into the Nigerian Brewery Junction.
“I invite you to provide evidence to support your claims, as I am confident that a thorough examination of the facts will confirm the accuracy of my statements. I direct you to consult with your engineers and the two regulatory agencies—the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Matters—through their Honourable Commissioners. They will attest to the fact that the Chairman of Egbeda Local Government has acted in line with global best practices on this matter.
“It would have been more honorable for you to adhere to the resolution reached at the meeting convened by the Honourable Commissioner for Public Works & Transport, which your representatives attended at the Oyo State Secretariat, rather than launching a campaign of calumny. Your actions appear petty, mischievous, and malicious.
“May I ask, with your self-acclaimed exposure, are you aware that the road in question is a ‘Trunk C Road,’ which falls directly under the jurisdiction of the local government? As a law-abiding leader, the Chairman will never act outside the dictates of the constitution.
“I hope this clarification suffices, and I am certain that the Chairman will continue to serve the public interest despite your pettiness and trivialities.”
