The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State (Entertainment & Tourism), Comedian Seyi Law, has said the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, needs to address the grievances of the Ilaje people over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The Ilaje Omuro Community Connect (IOCC) recently opposed a reported diversion of the highway route away from coastal communities in Ilaje LGA, Ondo State.
According to the group's lawyer, Babatunde Omobone, the federal government must provide a public explanation of the decision and an audit of its financial implications.
The group also called for an independent engineering assessment and technical reasons for rejecting the proposed Ilaje alignment.
“The issue at stake is not merely the construction of a road; it is a question of fairness, economic inclusion, environmental protection, and the right of the Ilaje people to benefit equitably from a major national development project,” the group said.
Meanwhile, Umahi, during an address to newsmen at the State House in Abuja, dismissed reports that the coastal highway had been re-aligned in favour of the East-West road. The minister also stated that the original alignment of the coastal highway remains instact.
Despite Umahi's clarification, Seyi Law believes Umahi needs to address questions the Ilaje community might have concerning the road.
He shared on X, "The Coastal Highway remains on point, and ground preparation is underway along the Ondo State axis, with visible progress at Ipare in Ilaje Local Government Area.
"I shared on an X space about the preservation of the tourism potential of Araromi Seaside as a possible reason for the inland route in Ondo State. I believe the Ilajes still have questions and deserve answers.
"Hon. Minister, Engr. Dave Umahi (@realdaveumahi needs to attend to Ilaje people's questions."
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