They are barking dogs– Governor slams Residents criticising his administration of not fixing bad roads

They are barking dogs– Governor slams Residents criticising his administration of not fixing bad roads

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has dismissed growing criticism over the condition of roads in the state, describing his critics as “barking dogs” who do not deserve his attention.

The governor has in recent months faced sustained backlash on social media, where many residents have complained about the poor state of major roads across different parts of the state.

Some commentators have even branded Ogun as the “headquarters of bad roads” in Nigeria, with communities close to Lagos said to be among the worst affected.

The debate intensified this week following the detention of Pastor Kayode Olawoye by the Department of State Services (DSS). Olawoye, who later regained his freedom on Tuesday along with two associates, had gained prominence online after repeatedly highlighting the poor condition of roads in Ogun and calling on the government to take action.

Amnesty International Nigeria condemned his arrest, describing it as unlawful and a violation of his rights.

The organisation said, “The Nigerian authorities must end the incessant intimidation and harassment of Pastor Kayode Olawoye — a cleric widely known for advocating for better road infrastructure in Ogun State.

“Subjecting such a peaceful advocate for good governance to bizarre intimidation by the Department of State Services is unlawful. The advocacy of Pastor Kayode is justified given the shocking and deplorable state of roads in Ogun — his state. Criticizing Gov. Dapo Abiodun is not a crime.

“The authorities have an obligation to uphold and protect fundamental human rights. Instead of investing in desperate attempts to punish activists, the government should be listening to them and doing more to address people’s concerns.”

Reacting to the criticism, Abiodun spoke on Tuesday during the commissioning of the 3.5-kilometre Laderin–Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station Road in Abeokuta, where he insisted his administration would not be distracted by online attacks.

“We are a very deliberate administration. We will not pay attention to any barking dog. Like they say, nobody throws stones at unripe fruits.

“So, anybody that decides to attack us on social media, we appreciate the fact that it is because of how intimidating this administration is.

“So, we have no response for them. I will respond to them by commissioning roads every week for the next two months,” he said.

The governor further defended his record in office, stating that his administration had delivered more road projects than previous governments.

He said, “In the last six years, my administration has constructed, at the minimum, 1,600 kilometres of roads, and that is not a joke. Then, I make bold to say that, at the risk of sounding immodest, that’s more roads than the two administrations before me constructed. They can come and contradict me because facts and figures don’t lie.

“As we speak, we have at least 20 roads ready for commissioning across the three senatorial districts.”

On the newly inaugurated Laderin–Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station Road, Abiodun added that the significance of the project was not in its length but in its “complementary and impactful service” to residents and commuters.