All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has decried the decision of the state government to hijack 24,700 acres of land from individuals for the ongoing circular road in the state, saying the project will render many families homeless.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, disclosed this to journalists yesterday in Ibadan. He called on the state government to rescind his alleged decision to take over pieces of land belonging to some residents of Ibadan under the guise of creating setbacks for a road project expected to run through the six local government areas in the outer parts of the state capital.
Oyo APC said controversies surrounding the announcement of 500 metres as setbacks on both sides of the 110-kilometre road have continued unabated. It noted that owners of the affected properties have continued to groan in pain and plead for leniency.
According to Sadare, many residents have had their choice of buildings demolished or marked for demolition by agents of the Oyo State government.
Oyo APC queried the rationale behind the determination of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to forcefully hijack over 24,700 acres of privately owned land, knowing full well such action would render at least 170,000 families homeless and stranded at the end of the day.
“To say the least, this is not only inhuman but also unacceptable.
“Tongues have been wagging on why a governor would alter the approved plan of a developmental project initiated by his predecessors.
“While members of the public do not have sufficient information about the progress made on the construction of the circular road project apart from the fact that a whooping N300 billion was set aside as the cost.
“Even as the state government claims the actions were being taken in the overriding public interest, certain questions on the exact developmental projects which are to be done on such expanse of land have not been answered by the governor or any of his men,’’ they said.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
