Ondo Lawyers Demand Restoration of Coastal Highway Route

A committee of lawyers and stakeholders from Ilaje communities in Ondo State has called on the Federal Government to restore the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to its original coastal alignment. Dr Benson Enikuomehin, representing the group, expressed concerns at a press conference in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, stating that the current route has bypassed numerous coastal communities and diverted inland through Edo State.

This demand follows previous concerns raised by Afenifere regarding the abandonment of parts of Ondo coastal communities. Minister of Works, David Umahi, acknowledged the preference for a coastal route but noted that engineering considerations could affect the alignment.

Enikuomehin alleged that the highway now deviates significantly from its original plan, particularly in Ondo State, and has effectively become an inland route. He emphasized that over 60% of coastal communities in Ilaje Local Government Area have been bypassed, and the road now links communities in Edo State, including Gelegele, which is located 10-20 km from the coastline.