Sanwo-Olu Explains Delay in Opening Opebi-Odoiya Alaro Bridge, Says 80 Percent of Cane Monument Installed
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has explained why the newly completed Opebi-Odoiya Alaro Bridge is yet to be opened to traffic, assuring Lagosians that the bridge will be opened before the Yuletide season.
The Governor disclosed this during an unscheduled visit to the bridge site on Sunday, where he personally reviewed progress of work on the installation of a 25-metre steel monument by Julius Berger.
Sanwo-Olu said although the iconic monument was not part of the original design of the bridge, the architectural design was conceived during the last stage of construction, which delayed its immediate opening.
He appealed to Lagosians to exercise patience to allow for safe installation of the monument, which he said will not only preserve the local heritage of the site but also enhance the architectural aesthetics of the bridge.
According to the Governor, in a recent media gathering, he had mentioned that the bridge would be open at the end of September based on the work plan he was briefed, but as October ends, work is yet to be completed. As a responsible Governor, he needed to visit personally to find out what caused the delay.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the monument is designed to replicate the craft the site has been known for, which is the cane market. He said the steel ornament replicates four hands of cane weaving and reflects the history of the vocation the area is known for.
He noted that engineering designs are about innovation and uniqueness, adding that about 300 tonnes of steel are being installed at about 25 metres high. Each of the steel hands has four components, three have been fully assembled and installed, while installation of the final steel hand is set to begin.
The Governor said the construction is an extreme engineering process and the steels must be safely fitted before the infrastructure is opened to traffic.
He said the work is at 80 percent completion and will require a few more days to allow the fourth steel beam to be installed. After that, other proposed features will be added to make the infrastructure an iconic piece that reflects what Lagos truly stands for.
Sanwo-Olu praised officials of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and construction workers for accelerating the monument installation, while urging them to enhance the speed of work.
He assured that the bridge will be part of the infrastructure that will be used during the Yuletide, adding that it will not only provide new commuting experience for motorists but also serve as a new site for recreation, tourism and heritage.
The Governor said over time, the project will beautify the entire corridor and become an additional landmark infrastructure that every Lagosian will be proud of.
The statement was signed by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, on October 25, 2026.
