The recently commissioned 1.1km Ayaba Anilelerin Road in Offa has become the center of a fierce war of words, with the Local Government authorities and opposition voices trading accusations over the project’s true origin, funding, and legitimacy.
Days after the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, defended the project as a duly executed local government initiative, critics have dismissed the explanation as a cover-up, insisting the road is a Federal Government-funded intervention.
LG’s Defense: “Due Process Followed”
In its initial statement, the Offa Local Government administration described attempts to discredit the project as the handiwork of “serial blackmailers and habitual liars.”
The council said due process was followed, explaining that the contract was openly advertised and three companies — Skylat-One Nigeria Ltd, Mateeni Nig. Ltd, and Peace One Ltd — participated in the bidding. After evaluation, Peace One Ltd was awarded the contract.
Officials stressed that all tender documents and receipts are available for scrutiny and that the project was supervised at the highest levels. The Kwara State Commissioner for Local Government was said to have inspected the work at least three times, while respected traditional and religious leaders — including the Olofa of Offa and the Chief Imam — witnessed the flag-off and commissioning.
“Offa Local Government is the client and executor of this project. Due process was followed, and quality was delivered,” the council maintained.
Critics’ Counterclaim: “A Lie Can’t Be Changed Overnight”
But opposition voices, in a rejoinder titled “Re-Setting the Record Straight: A Lie is a Lie, It Can’t Be Changed Overnight,” rejected the LG’s defense, accusing the administration of deception.
They argued that all advert copies published by the council referenced only a 1.3km project in Offa town, not Ayaba Anilelerin Road.
“If truly the council awarded the Ayaba Anilelerin Road project, let them publish the award letter for public scrutiny. Even the contractor should provide evidence of payment from the LG treasury. Anything less is an admission of fraud and cover-up,” the statement read.
The critics further alleged that the project is actually a Federal Government zonal intervention captured in the national budget, warning the LG against “hurriedly drafting backdated documents” to validate its claim.
They also raised questions on the utilisation of over ₦4.1 billion said to have been received by Offa LG in the past nine months, demanding transparency on how funds are being spent.
Community Reactions
The unfolding drama has left many Offa residents divided. While some believe the local government’s defense — pointing to the visible impact of the project and the presence of community leaders at its commissioning — others say the counterclaims raise genuine concerns that must be clarified with verifiable documents.
Observers note that the controversy underscores deeper issues of transparency, accountability, and governance at the grassroots.
What Next?
As both sides dig in, the calls for clarity are growing louder. Community leaders and civil society groups are urging the LG to publish all project documents, including contract award letters and payment records, to restore public confidence.
For now, one thing is clear: the 1.1km Ayaba Anilelerin Road has become more than just an infrastructure project — it is now a litmus test for truth, accountability, and leadership in Offa Local Government.
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