Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a Resolution urging the State Government to reconstruct the ‘Gada’ Aro Bridge in Abeokuta to enhance public safety, improve traffic congestion and stimulate socio-economic development within the State.

The passage of the Resolution followed an extensive debate on the resolution titled: “H.R. No. 187/OG/2026- Urgent call on the state government to reconstruct the ‘Gada’ Aro Bridge in Abeokuta”, sponsored by Hon. Babatunde Tella, who highlighted the deteriorating condition of the bridge.

He described it as a major safety hazard to motorists and other road users.

The lawmaker, representing Abeokuta North State Constituency explained that reconstructing the bridge would provide an alternative route for commuters, reduce pressure on existing road networks, open up new economic opportunities and support urban development as the fourth major bridge serving the State capital.

Tella stated, “I rise this morning with a deep sense of duty and responsibility on behalf of my constituents and indeed the people of Abeokuta, to move this motion on the urgent need for the reconstruction and upgrade of the historic “Gada” Aro Bridge.

This bridge, Mr. Speaker, was constructed by the British Colonial Administration between 1898-1901, over a hundred years ago, to link the old Panseke/Ibara Railway Terminus via Oriyanrin-Agbeloba area. However, since the relocation of the railway station to Lafenwa, it has been neglected.

Today, it is no longer a solid infrastructure but a mere pedestrian crossing, improvised with planks and iron, currently posing a serious danger to our people.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the bridge, in its current state, is still heavily used, particularly by primary and secondary school students from Oriyanrin, Agbeloba and their environs, who cross it daily to link Ita-Oshin. Several times, the planks have given way right under the feet of some pedestrians, and young pupils have fallen into the river and been swept away. We cannot continue to fold our arms while our children and constituents are endangered because of infrastructural neglect.

Beyond safety, Mr. Speaker, the economic and traffic importance of this bridge cannot be overstated. During festive periods and peak hours, the Lafenwa–Ita Oshin Road is usually gridlocked.

The reconstruction and upgrade of the ‘Gada’ Aro Bridge into a motorable bridge will serve as a strategic alternative route, easing the traffic and reducing time spent in transit. It will allow commuters who are not heading towards Lafenwa to bypass Brewery Roundabout and connect straight into the main town towards Ibara, Quarry road, Panseke, Oke-Mosan, and Oke-Ilewo.

If reconstructed, this bridge will become the fourth major bridge across the Ogun River in Abeokuta, unlocking new economic opportunities, reducing travel time, and boosting the commercial life of our state capital”.

Corroborating the sponsor, Hon Bisi Oyedele underscored the need for maintenance culture for public infrastructure through assessments and timely rehabilitation to prevent complete deterioration.

In his contribution, a former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, noted that the reconstruction of the bridge would significantly ease vehicular congestion, particularly during peak traffic periods.

Following the debate, the House Leader, Hon. Yusuf Sheriff moved the motion converting the debate into House resolution, seconded by Hon. Lukmon Atobatele, and unanimously supported by all members through a voice vote.

Consequently, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, directed the Clerk/Head of the Legislative Service to forward copy of the House Resolution to the State Governor for necessary action.

The students from the Department of Political Science and International Studies, Crescent University, Abeokuta as well as representatives of students from the College of Nursing Sciences in Ogun State also witnessed the plenary.