By Our Reporter
The silence of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is worrisome, a prominent Ilaje stakeholder, Dr Benson Enikuomehin, has said.
Enikuomehin, a lawyer and former Commissioner representing Ondo State on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board, expressed concern that Aiyedatiwa had yet to publicly speak out on the controversial routing of the coastal highway, which he said could bring significant relief and development to the people of the state.
In a message addressed to the governor on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Enikuomehin questioned the governor’s silence on an issue he described as affecting the interests of his people and the wider Ilaje community.
He said he had personally committed his resources to the campaign for what he considered a just cause, despite the possibility that the governor might disapprove of his role in opposing what he described as attempts by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to undermine the interests of the Ilaje people.
“You may not like me for the role I am playing in Ilaje for not allowing Engr. Dave Umahi to mess us up, but you will remember in the latter years that I have done very noble work,” he said.
The Ilaje stakeholder, however, stressed that he was not seeking praise or recognition from the governor but wanted him to speak up in defence of the interests of his people.
“I don’t request that you should praise me: NOT AT ALL. You have kept quiet too long on this matter that affects your RACE!” he stated.
Enikuomehin drew a comparison with the position reportedly taken by the governor of neighbouring Bayelsa State, who he said had spoken out in support of having the highway pass through the state’s coastal area.
He wondered why Aiyedatiwa had remained silent despite what he described as the potential benefits of the project to Ondo State.
“Are you happy that what could bring succour to your people is being frittered away?” he asked.
Describing the governor’s silence as particularly troubling, Enikuomehin declared: “Sir, your QUIETNESS on this matter is TOO LOUD.”
Although he acknowledged his respect for Aiyedatiwa and the office he occupies, the lawyer said he was unhappy with the governor’s perceived response to the coastal highway controversy.
He warned that he might be compelled to write a formal letter to the governor if there was no change in the situation, adding that the correspondence would be made public.
“While I respect you and your office, I am not happy with the role you are playing now,” he said.
“If there are no changes, I will be forced to WRITE A FORMAL LETTER to you which will be published.”
Enikuomehin concluded his message by wishing the governor well.
The controversy over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has generated debate over its alignment and the interests of communities along the proposed route, with stakeholders calling for decisions that would protect local communities and promote development.