The Benin monarch, Omon’Oba N’edo, Oba Erediauwa, yesterday expressed his annoyance over the non-completion of the deplorable Benin-Ore-Lagos Road by ordering the Minister of State for Works, Chris Ogiemwonyi, an engineer, out of his palace.

Oba Erediauwa, who lashed out at Ogiemwonyi, said he gave the minister till May this year to ensure that contractors handling the project finished the job.

Engr. Ogiemwonyi had joined other leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo South to present their senatorial candidate, Senator Daisy Danjuma, to the Oba of Benin.

The Benin monarch said it was worrisome that the Benin-Ore Road, which he noted was strategic to the economic development of the state, has remained dilapidated even when one of his subjects is now a minister in the works ministry.

He said he expected Engr. Ogiemwonyi to ensure speedy completion of the road, which he said links Lagos State, the commercial nerve of the country, to other parts of the country.

Oba Erediauwa said information at his disposal showed that the road was a death trap to motorists despite repeated news about the ongoing remedial work at the place.

He said top government officials have taken advantage of air transportation to neglect important roads to the detriment of the common man.

It was one of the palace chiefs that pleaded on behalf of Ogiemwonyi.

Attempts to get comments from Ogiemwonyi failed.