Ondo Resident Petitions EFCC, Works Ministry Over Idanre-Owena Road Project

A resident of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, Olabanji Olusesan, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Ministry of Works over the alleged failure to execute the Idanre-Owena Road rehabilitation project despite its continued inclusion in the federal budget.

In separate petitions dated July 9, 2026, and copied to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Senate Committee on Works, and the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Olusesan called for a thorough investigation into the implementation of the project and the utilisation of funds reportedly allocated to it.

According to the petitioner, the 16.6-kilometre Idanre-Owena Road rehabilitation and reconstruction project, identified as Contract No. 8077, was awarded on January 27, 2023. He, however, alleged that no contractor had been mobilised to the site and that there had been no visible construction activity since the contract was awarded.

Olusesan expressed concern that the project has continued to appear in successive federal budgets as an ongoing project despite the alleged absence of work, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

He claimed the situation had heightened fears of possible diversion or mismanagement of funds meant for the road project, while residents continued to endure the poor condition of the road.

The petitioner noted that the deteriorating state of the Idanre-Owena Road has increased transportation costs, disrupted economic activities, and posed safety risks to motorists and other road users.

He urged the EFCC to investigate the implementation status of the contract, determine whether funds had been released, identify the contractor handling the project, establish the amount approved and disbursed, and review available project implementation reports.

Olusesan also called on the anti-graft agency to prosecute any individual or contractor found culpable of financial misconduct or misrepresentation following its investigation.

In addition, he appealed to the Federal Ministry of Works to independently verify the project’s implementation status, suspend any further payments pending the outcome of its findings, publicly disclose details of the contract and funds released, and ensure the immediate commencement or proper execution of the road project.

He said the petitions were submitted in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the development of the Idanre community, expressing confidence that the relevant authorities would investigate the matter and take appropriate action where necessary.