The spokesperson for Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, has maintained that the trucks were prohibited from passing the Olaiya Flyover in Osogbo as a precaution.
Rasheed clarified this in a statement obtained on Thursday in response to accusations made against Adeleke by the All-Progressives Congress in the state.
Osun APC, during a press conference addressed by the immediate past Commissioner for Works, Mr. Oluremi Omowaiye, who supervised the project, accused Adeleke of plotting to demolish the flyover in a display of bitterness against his predecessor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola.
Omowaiye subsequently demanded the technical report relied on by Adeleke before placing a ban on trucks from plying the flyover, insisting that at every stage of the construction work on the bridge, tests were carried out to ensure that maximum quality requirements were met.
Meanwhile Rasheed, while replying to claims of political prejudice by the APC leaders, said Adeleke barred heavy-duty trucks and trailers from plying the Olaiya bridge to safeguard public safety, adding that there was no decision to demolish the bridge.
He said that the decision was a resolution of the State Security Council, whose members expressed concern over the recent surge of heavy-duty trucks and trailers on Osun roadways.
He went on to say that the decision was made primarily and mainly for public safety.
Rasheed said, “The governor has a sacred duty to take steps to secure public assets and residents, especially in the face of two major developments in the last few weeks.
“Several technical reports have been submitted to the Governor on the deteriorating state of some sections of the bridge in recent times. As early as January, some public interest engineers approached the government to conduct an integrity test on the bridge. A similar conclusion was reached recently during a technical visit to the state by some national leaders of the construction industry.
“Several state leaders have also visited and examined the bridge with a verdict of urgency of action to preserve the assets while at the same time ensuring public safety. Members of the public can also conduct similar visits on top and around the bridge.
“While the technical review is ongoing, a new development in the transport sector warranted a pre-emptive action to limit the load burden on the bridge. Due to road closure along the Ibadan-Ogbomoso axis, more heavy-duty trucks now use Osun roads, mostly passing through the bridge. Banning those trailers foreclosed any untoward happenings.
“I also want to inform the opposition that it was at the State Security Council meeting composed of security services commanders that the safety issue around Olaiya bridge was raised and resolution taken. All actors genuinely acted in the interest of the general public without political bias.
