The Osun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has dismissed concerns over the damaged section of the newly commissioned LAMECO Flyover in Osogbo, insisting that the defect does not amount to a structural failure.

The ministry made the clarification during a meeting with officials of the World Institute for Peace and Media at its headquarters in Abere, following a recent protest by the organisation over the condition of the flyover.

Executive Director of the World Institute for Peace and Media, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, said the meeting was convened to obtain official clarification on the project. He stressed that the group’s protest was motivated by public interest and not political considerations.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Idowu Bashir Bello, maintained that all government projects are executed under strict professional supervision by experienced ministry engineers, irrespective of the administration in power.

Bello said he had served under five governors in Osun State, noting that the ministry has consistently upheld the same engineering standards over the years.

He urged members of the public to refrain from speculation capable of creating unnecessary panic, stressing that conclusions on engineering matters should be based on scientific evidence and professional assessment.

The Director of Highways, Engineer M.A. Ojebode, also clarified that the Ministry of Works does not award contracts. According to him, the responsibility rests with the Osun State Public Procurement Agency, which conducts open and competitive bidding based on technical competence, financial capacity and previous performance.

Also speaking, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Engineer O.O. Salami, said the ministry has supervised the reconstruction of schools and the upgrading of primary healthcare centres across the state as part of efforts to improve public infrastructure and service delivery.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, ensuring transparency in project execution and strengthening collaboration with civil society organisations to build public confidence in government projects.

The meeting comes days after residents and civil society groups protested in Osogbo, demanding a thorough investigation into the damaged section of the LAMECO Flyover.

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