The Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, Ambassador (Dr.) Babatunde Adeyemo, has called on the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, to urgently intervene in the rehabilitation of the Masa bypass road, warning that continued neglect could trigger severe traffic congestion along the Kobape–Abeokuta corridor.
Adeyemo made the appeal shortly after a high-level meeting held on Friday at Pelican Ecostay Apartments, Kobape, between the management of Pelican Valley and representatives of CCETC Ogua Energy Limited over plans to provide uninterrupted electricity to the estate and surrounding communities.
While commending the senator, popularly known as Yayi, for his infrastructural contributions across Ogun West Senatorial District and parts of Abeokuta, Adeyemo stressed that the Masa bypass remains a critical road that requires immediate government attention.
“I want to call on Senator Adeola. He has done commendably well on many roads, but the Masa bypass needs urgent intervention,” he said.
Describing the route as a vital access point into Abeokuta, Adeyemo warned that failure to fix the road could worsen traffic on the busy Siun–Kobape–Abeokuta Expressway, especially with increasing industrial activities within the axis.
According to him, the Masa bypass serves as a strategic alternative route linking Kobape to key parts of Abeokuta, including Idi-Aba and Aiyerose, and plays a crucial role in easing movement within the metropolis.
“This road is essential for decongesting Abeokuta. With industries springing up along the corridor, expanding the main highway alone will not address the looming traffic challenges,” he added.
Adeyemo further noted that the area hosts a large and growing population, including factory workers and residents across more than 300 villages, making it economically significant and deserving of urgent infrastructural support.
He explained that completing the road project would require relatively minimal investment, as much of the foundational work, including stone base and drainage excavation, has already been done.
“This is not a high-cost project. The foundation is already in place. What remains is the final surfacing and drainage completion. The road is still passable but needs proper finishing,” he said.
Drawing historical context, Adeyemo recalled that the Masa community last experienced significant government intervention during the administration of former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, particularly in rural electrification.
He expressed optimism that upgrading the road would complement ongoing development efforts in the area and unlock its full economic potential.
“Osoba brought electrification to this community, and we are building on that legacy. Now, the road infrastructure must match that progress. We believe Senator Adeola can deliver on this,” he said.
Adeyemo also commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for creating a business-friendly environment that has supported real estate growth in the state, adding that the recently commissioned Gateway International Airport is set to further boost economic activities along the corridor.
Community leaders also lent their voices to the call for intervention.
The Area Baale of Egbeda Oba in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, High Chief Sunday Ifasesan Solola, said rehabilitating the Masa road would significantly ease the hardship faced by residents of over 300 villages.
He noted that the poor condition of the road has remained a long-standing challenge, despite past efforts by former Governor Osoba, who constructed the Oba road and initiated rural electrification projects in the area.
“If Senator Yayi can help us fix this road from Kobape through Egbeda to Aiyerose, we will be deeply grateful. The population here is large, with many factory workers residing in these communities,” he said.
Similarly, the Baale of Masa Village, Pa Sabiu Sotunde, described the road as a major concern for residents and road users, urging swift intervention.
“I appeal to Senator Yayi to help us fix this road from Kobape to Egbeda and Idi-Aba. The road has become a serious challenge for our people. We need urgent assistance,” he said.
Residents say improving the Masa bypass will not only ease transportation challenges but also support economic growth and connectivity across the rapidly developing Kobape–Abeokuta axis.