The Ogun State Government has rejected accusations that it is responsible for the tragic death of Professor Oladipo Ademuyiwa, who was killed by a reckless hit-and-run driver along the Wole Soyinka-Kemta-Idi-Aba-Somorin road on the 16th of February 2025
In a statement issued from Abeokuta, the state capital, the government stated it is both unfair and mischievous to hold it accountable for the professor’s death. The government emphasized that the road where the incident occurred had been rehabilitated and fitted with safety measures under the leadership of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun.
“The 7.3 km road is part of over 700 kilometers of roads rehabilitated or constructed across the state for the benefit of residents and commuters,” the statement read. “Apart from providing necessary infrastructure in line with international standards, speed breakers and other safety measures were also installed to protect road users and their properties and curb reckless driving.”
The government confirmed that Prof. Ademuyiwa was struck by a driver who ignored traffic laws, reaffirming that the incident was a result of individual negligence and not government failure. It highlighted that the community had made calls for enhanced safety, leading to the installation of additional speed breakers on the road.
“Just last December, in response to the call of the communities in the area, the government installed a total of 11 speed breakers in addition to the one earlier installed on the road,” the statement noted. “This is apart from other relevant road signs that have been strategically placed to guide drivers and other commuters.”
The statement continued: “While we deeply sympathize with the family, colleagues, and other community members of the late Prof. Ademuyiwa, we wish to call on all relevant stakeholders to embark on the sensitization of all categories of road users, particularly motorists, on the importance of obeying traffic rules and regulations at all times.”
In closing, the government emphasized its commitment to improving road safety while calling for greater responsibility among road users.