The Obalufe of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Oba Idowu Adediwura, who is the Second-in-Command to Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has applauded Governor Ademola Adeleke’s structural development in the state.

Speaking to Punch after a project inspection tour by officials of the Osun State Government, Adediwura said Adeleke’s projects have helped preserve the town’s cultural heritage and saved it from global embarrassment.

Adediwura, who is the head of the kingmakers, lamented that Ile-Ife had suffered years of infrastructural neglect, which he said embarrassed the cradle of the Yoruba race whenever tourists visited from across the world

‎He, however, said the ongoing ₦14bn flyover and 17 road projects initiated by the Adeleke administration had improved access to cultural centres across the town.

‎According to him, the projects would promote culture and bring honour to Ile-Ife as the origin of the Yoruba race.

‎He said, “It will be unfortunate when visitors come from all over the world to their source and see that most roads are not motorable. It is so embarrassing.

“I want to commend Governor Adeleke for saving us from global embarrassment through the ongoing flyover project and other township roads.

“With good roads, our culture will be promoted in Ife. As we approach the Olojo festival in September and the Aje festival next week, tourists and worshippers will travel on better roads.”