Tinubu road project halted in Sagamu as Ogun government blocks works; angry residents accuse Governor Abiodun of sabotaging federal intervention

Tinubu road project halted in Sagamu has sparked widespread condemnation, as residents accuse Governor Dapo Abiodun of blocking much-needed infrastructure over political rivalry.

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The reconstruction of the Paddy–Arikawe–Oye Igbimo Road — a federal intervention facilitated by Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel and awarded by the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration — was abruptly halted last week.

According to a letter from the Ogun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, signed by Permanent Secretary Engr. Dr. Yusuf L.O., the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Ltd, was directed to “suspend operations immediately” for allegedly failing to obtain state clearance before commencing work.

The ministry claimed the Presidency bypassed due process and initiated work on “a State Government road” without prior approval.

But residents of Sagamu aren’t buying it. Anger boiled over in interviews with this reporter, with many describing the stoppage as “petty politics” and a direct affront to President Tinubu’s development agenda.

One resident said, “There are thousands of bad roads across Ogun State. Yet when the federal government tries to help us out, the governor shuts it down. It’s insensitive and shows total disconnect from the suffering of the people.”

Another added, “This is not Senator Daniel’s personal project. It’s a federal initiative backed by President Tinubu. The governor is clearly playing games.”

The project had reportedly commenced on a Wednesday, only to be suspended by Thursday — a speed that even contractors described as “unprecedented and discouraging.”

Observers believe the action could rekindle political tension between Tinubu and Abiodun, which dates back to the 2023 APC presidential primaries.

Then, Governor Abiodun had backed Yemi Osinbajo against Tinubu — a move that, insiders say, left lasting resentment in the President’s camp.

Though no official connection has been made between that rift and the halted project, the timing and manner of the suspension have raised eyebrows.

Residents of Sagamu are particularly upset, citing years of neglect by successive state administrations.

Roads like the Paddy-Arikawe stretch have reportedly been left to decay since Senator Daniel exited as governor in 2011.

“This always happens,” a local community leader said. “Aiyepe Road was abandoned too. Every time Daniel brings a project, Governor Abiodun blocks it.”

While the state government insists it is simply enforcing due process, many residents argue that such bureaucratic rigidity does not serve public interest — especially when federal resources are being deployed to fix long-neglected infrastructure.

“President Tinubu is doing what others refused to do. If this is how we thank him, 2027 will be different,” warned another visibly angry resident.

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The  Tinubu road project halted in Sagamu may have been framed as a procedural issue, but for locals, it is a painful reminder of politics trumping progress.