Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has named the newly commissioned Onyearugbulem-Shagari/Irese road flyover in Akure after Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti.

The governor announced on Monday that the bridge would now be known as the “Reuben Fasoranti Flyover” during its commissioning ceremony attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Akure.

According to The Nation, Aiyedatiwa said the decision was made to honour Fasoranti’s contributions to Yoruba leadership, nation-building and public service.

The flyover project was initiated in July 2023 under the administration of late former Ondo governor Rotimi Akeredolu and later completed by the current administration.

Speaking at the event, the governor described the project as a historic and transformational development for Ondo State, noting that it is the first flyover bridge constructed in Akure, the state capital.

Aiyedatiwa said the project was designed to permanently tackle years of traffic congestion and frequent accidents at the busy Irese junction along the Akure-Benin Expressway corridor.

“This project is a bold symbol of vision, progress, safety and shared prosperity for our people,” he said.

He added that the corridor had long been a flashpoint for deadly accidents, traffic bottlenecks and economic disruptions affecting commuters and residents.

The governor stressed that infrastructure development remains central to his administration’s economic growth strategy, adding that the flyover has already improved traffic flow, reduced travel time and enhanced road safety in the area.

He also commended the engineers, contractors and indigenous professionals involved in delivering the project, while appreciating Akure residents for their patience during construction.

Vice President Shettima described the flyover as a strategic infrastructure project capable of boosting transportation, trade and economic activities within Ondo State and the wider South-West region.

According to him, the project will ease persistent traffic congestion, improve safety and support industrial and commercial growth along the corridor.

Other dignitaries present at the commissioning included Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Ondo governor Olusegun Mimiko, former Ekiti governor Kayode Fayemi and former Osun governor Iyiola Omisore.