Circular Road: Makinde Reassures On Adequate Compensation Before Demolition

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has said all issues relating to the construction of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, including compensation, setbacks and development of the corridor, will be resolved before the expiration of his administration in 2027.

The governor, during the lengthy engagement with landowners, listened to their representatives, noting that his government would not fail the people of the state.

He emphasised that his government would ensure adequate compensation was paid to property owners, noting that no house would be demolished without proper compensation to the affected owners.
Makinde added that necessary adjustments would be made in areas affected by the project, stating that the 150-metre setback would not be exceeded in already developed areas.

According to him, the Circular Road is a rapid transfer network that must comply with the highway code for standard road setback.

Makinde, who commended the residents of the 38 communities affected by the project for cooperating with his government to address the issues, said 10 people would be nominated from the affected property owners to form a committee that would work closely with the New Towns and Cities Development Authority, which is the authorised agency directly in charge of the Circular Road corridor.

The governor said, “You installed this government. And if, over the past six-plus years, this government did not fail you, it means we would still not forget you.

“This particular point is right inside the road corridor. A road is supposed to be here, but houses have already been built around it. When most governors reach the point where I am, they stop working on any projects because they know they are nearing the end of their term. What this means is that the problem would be transferred to the next administration.’’

“You, the people of Oyo State, and God brought me to this office, and I am accountable to you. If there are issues and we say we have solved them, they will definitely disappear. However, if we haven’t solved them, they will reappear, and we will have to try again.

“The Circular Road has three segments – the first is from the Technical University to the Ibadan-Ife Road at Badeku, which is 32km. We are constructing the road, and within the next three months, we expect to be finished. We faced a similar challenge, but we were able to resolve it.

“I am glad that you are organised here, but what we need is mutual understanding. I informed the relevant Ministry that, in built-up areas like this, we would stay within 150 metres, and you would fence off the point, as it is a rapid transfer network. The minimum speed that a car can move on it is 80 – 100km per hour.’’