The monarch praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the reconstruction, noting that the project would boost economic and commercial activities between Osun and Oyo states while improving access and connectivity for several communities along the corridor.

Oba Akanbi made the remarks on Sunday in Iwo while delivering an address on behalf of traditional rulers from Osun West Senatorial District.

He lamented that the major road had suffered years of neglect, saying it had effectively been abandoned for nearly a decade before the recent federal intervention.

According to him, the road had been poorly constructed from the outset, with structural deficiencies becoming evident as far back as 1990, shortly after its inauguration.

He recalled that after the creation of Osun State in 1991, the state government carried out repeated patchwork repairs to manage the worsening condition.

The Oluwo also revealed that he personally undertook efforts to patch sections of the road with cement after repeated appeals to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration failed to secure federal intervention.

He said Buhari’s government had reportedly classified the road as a state responsibility and did not prioritise it for reconstruction.

Oba Akanbi further disclosed that traditional rulers from across Osun West recently gathered at his palace to reflect on the road’s decades-long history and celebrate a new phase of reconstruction.

He added that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had contacted him two months earlier to assure him that the Federal Government would assume responsibility for the road’s rehabilitation.

Providing historical background, the monarch explained that the road was originally divided into the Ibadan-Iwo and Osogbo-Iwo sections, both awarded in 1977, with construction handled by different contractors before final completion in 1990.

He noted that despite interventions by successive administrations, including efforts by former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, the road continued to deteriorate.

The poor state of the highway, he said, forced many commuters to seek alternative routes, often turning journeys of less than one hour into trips lasting up to three hours.

Oba Akanbi also recounted how, after ascending the throne, he personally cleared overgrown portions, mobilised materials, and supervised repairs on parts of the road for months to make it passable.

Other monarchs also welcomed the development, with the Akire of Ikire, Oba Abdulazeez Olatunbosun Adebamiji, describing the project as a true dividend of democracy.

Similarly, the Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Ishola, said the rehabilitation was the result of sustained advocacy by traditional rulers in the district.

Both royal fathers offered prayers for President Tinubu’s administration and expressed hope that the road project would open up more communities and pave the way for additional federal projects in the region.

The commendation was delivered by Uduak Uduak Ituen, Team Lead of Executive Intelligence Management Course 19, Syndicate 4, during a courtesy visit to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Saturday.

Ituen explained that the team was in Kaduna on a study tour aimed at connecting academic knowledge with practical governance and security realities.

She stated that the lessons and insights gathered during the visit would strengthen their syndicate papers and support practical recommendations for enhancing Nigeria’s national security framework.

According to her, Governor Uba Sani’s achievements through the Kaduna Peace Model were instrumental in his emergence as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Governor of the Year Award conferred in March by the National Leadership Summit Group.

She noted that the honour reflected his strong commitment to security, inclusive governance, and people-focused development in Kaduna State.

Responding, Governor Uba Sani said Kaduna’s experience has demonstrated that lasting security cannot rely on force alone but must also be built on intelligence, trust, and inclusiveness.

He explained that through intelligence-driven operations, improved collaboration among security agencies, and sustained community engagement, the state has made measurable progress in restoring peace and rebuilding public confidence.

The governor also stressed that security and development are closely linked, noting that instability often thrives where economic opportunities are lacking.

He said Kaduna’s strategy has therefore been comprehensive, combining security measures with investments in infrastructure, education, and social welfare to address both immediate threats and the root causes of insecurity.

Uba Sani described the visit by the Executive Intelligence Management Course team as timely and valuable, saying it provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, policy evaluation, and the sharing of practical strategies that can strengthen security systems at both state and national levels.

He added that such engagements are crucial for building a more responsive and resilient security architecture.

The governor further encouraged the team to maximise the study tour by engaging deeply, asking critical questions, and exploring collaborative solutions that can improve Nigeria’s collective security capacity.

Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Kwankwaso, a former presidential flagbearer of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), were received by enthusiastic supporters upon their arrival.

Both political figures, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, are expected to engage in a consultative meeting with the leadership of the party.

Peter Obi had earlier confirmed his departure from the ADC, citing an increasingly hostile and discouraging political environment.

He explained that even within political alliances, individuals can encounter unexpected criticism and resistance.

Obi clarified that his exit was not due to personal disagreements with prominent party figures such as David Mark or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Rather, he attributed his decision to persistent internal crises and legal disputes within the party.

Drawing parallels with his previous experiences in the Labour Party, Obi reiterated his conviction that leadership should be rooted in service, stressing that he has never used authority to oppress others.

He also rejected claims that his political decisions were motivated by personal ambition, maintaining that his priority remains the improvement of national security, economic stability, and the overall welfare of Nigerians.