TUNJI OLANIYI
The Onipetesi community in Ikeja Lagos has called on both the Federal and state governments to create a “U” Turn at Idi- Mangoro/Onipetesi axis on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway for the welfare of theete people of the area.
Chairman of the Onipetesi Community Development Association (OCDA)’ Elder Kunle Amosun, made the call in Lagos while addressing newsmen on the issue.
Elder Amosun said without a U-Turn within the axis, the present construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway would cause the community incalculable damage and discomfort.
The OCDA Chairman said that efforts being made in the past ( since 2001 to be imprecise) on the issue by the community had yielded no dividends.
“Two former Ministers of Works were contacted with promised to look into the issue but to no avail.
“Letters have been written to the Lagossince 2001 State government on the matter. However, it is a sad commentary to note that the Office of the Commissioner for Works gave flimsy excuse in one of his letters that a “U-Turn” in the axis would rather worsen already heavy traffic on the road. This is false. On the contrary, it will ease traffic”, the community stated.
Pointing out that similar projects like the Lagos/Ikorodu road took into cognizance residents on the road; this is also the same of Age he Motor Road where there is a U- Turn almost at every Bus Stop, the community asked why its case be an exception to the rule.
It appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to use his good offices to create a U- Turn at Idi-amangoro/Onipetesi axis for the welfare of citizens “rather than create problems for them”.
“We equally call on the Federal Government, especially our amiable Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to intercede on this matter of urgent national importance.
“Similarly, we urge our Senator, representing this Senatorial zone, Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Darla, to urgently come to our said.
“We strongly believe that one or two U-Turn(s) along this axis will save citizens the needless hassle of facing agonizing traffic to Dopemu and beyond. It will also alleviate the traffic gridlock for those going beyond our communities, to destinations such as Egbeda, Idimu, LASU, Abuse Egba, Ota, etc”., OCDA Chairman said.
He was flanked by some elders of the community- Sam Emiowele; Chief Victor Oyolu; Engr. Jimi Taylor (1st vice chairman, OCDA); and Ayo Owoborode.
