Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday met with protesters at the State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, addressing concerns over the development of the Ibadan Circular Road.
The governor reassured the demonstrators that his administration is committed to the well-being of the people and promised that no further demolitions would take place within the disputed corridor.
Addressing the crowd, Governor Makinde clarified that his administration had not acquired any additional land along the corridor beyond the boundaries set by previous administrations.
“Former Governors Lam Adesina and Rashidi Ladoja established the 150-metre corridor, while former Governor Abiola Ajimobi added and gazetted another 350 metres,” he explained, assuring the residents that his government has not made any new acquisitions.
The governor promised that any buildings already erected within the 500-metre corridor but outside the original 150-metre mark would be protected.
“For now, there will not be any demolition. I have asked them to stop whatever demolition they are doing,” Makinde stated, calming concerns over potential property loss.
He further emphasized, “Anyone who already has a building within the 150m-500m area, none of the houses standing will be demolished, but there must be no further development on that corridor.”
The governor called on residents to appoint representatives to work with the government and find a solution that accommodates affected homeowners while also advancing the state’s development goals.
Makinde also explained the importance of the Ibadan Circular Road project, noting that it is designed to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
“We are doing the Circular Road project to create jobs for our people, and we will have industries along the corridor,” he added.
Earlier, representatives of the affected residents, including Prince Niyi Fasoye, Chief Olaniran Ere Asalatu, and Mr. Azeez Olaide, expressed appreciation for the governor’s prompt response to their concerns.
They also lauded his administration’s developmental efforts, particularly the Circular Road project, which they acknowledged had spurred growth in the surrounding areas.
Governor Makinde assured the residents that their voices had been heard and reiterated his administration’s commitment to balancing development with the welfare of the people of Oyo State.
