Osun road project quality comes under scrutiny as residents report collapsing sidewalks on Iwo dual carriageway construction
The Osun State Government’s ongoing expansion of the Odo-Ori Road to Post Office stretch in Iwo Local Government Area has come under scrutiny following reports of deteriorating pedestrian walkways on the newly constructed dual carriageway.
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The project, which was flagged off on June 12, 2025, by Governor Ademola Adeleke and awarded to Showie-Tee Global Services Ltd. just 23 days after procurement, was initially welcomed with enthusiasm by residents who described it as a landmark infrastructure development for the community.
The Osun Road Project Quality has since become a subject of concern as sections of the pedestrian sidewalks, which were completed as part of the first phase of the dual carriageway scheme, show visible signs of damage despite the road not yet being formally inaugurated.
The expansion covers the stretch from Odo-Ori Market Junction through Post Office near Oja-Ale Junction, with plans for a second phase extending the route to Adeeke Junction, linking the Iwo–Ibadan Road near Oja Oba.
However, observations along the completed sections of the first phase reveal sinking slabs, cracked surfaces and peeling concrete finishes along pedestrian paths on both sides of the road. In several locations, newly laid sections appear to have deteriorated shortly after construction.
Engineering explanations commonly attribute such defects to inadequate soil compaction beneath slab foundations, a condition that can lead to structural sinking and void formation under pedestrian pavements, ultimately causing surface collapse.
Residents say the condition of the walkways raises concerns about durability and long-term usability, especially given the project’s significance as the first major dual carriageway in the area.
One resident, Abdulrahaman Kayode, expressed concern over the apparent quality of work, suggesting that insufficient oversight may have contributed to the defects observed along the route.
While the project remains officially ongoing, parts of the road are already open to traffic, further exposing pedestrians to uneven surfaces and potential safety risks along the sidewalks.
Some sections also show evidence of patchwork repairs, with newly plastered areas differing in texture and colour from surrounding surfaces, suggesting recent remedial work on previously damaged portions.
The Osun Road Project Quality has also raised broader questions regarding contractor capacity and project supervision, particularly as the same contractor has been linked to multiple major state projects.
Showie-Tee Global Services Ltd., registered in 2021, is listed as primarily engaged in interior and exterior decoration services, general merchandise and related activities, with no publicly available indication of specialised civil engineering expertise.
The company has reportedly handled several high-value contracts within Osun State, including road dualisation, airport infrastructure development and dam rehabilitation projects under the current administration.
Despite these concerns, the contractor maintains that the work is still in progress.
A representative of the firm stated that observed defects are part of ongoing construction processes and advised that complaints be directed to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for formal review.
Meanwhile, public reaction continues to grow as residents and observers call for closer monitoring of infrastructure projects to ensure compliance with engineering standards and long-term durability.
The state government has not yet issued a formal response to the latest concerns raised regarding the condition of the pedestrian walkways.
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The Osun Road Project Quality issue is expected to remain under public scrutiny as construction continues on the next phase of the Iwo dual carriageway project.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
