Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has defended the marking and demolition of houses to pave way for the ongoing construction of Senator Rashidi Ladoja Road (Ibadan Circular Road).
Addressing protesters at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor noted that his administration was a listening government that would continue to look out for the well-being of everyone.
Makinde also used the opportunity to reiterate that his administration had not acquired any land on the corridor, stating that while the former governors Lam Adesina and Rashidi Ladoja set the 150 metres mark, the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi acquired and gazetted an additional 350 metres.
He reassured the protesters that any buildings already erected within the 500m corridor but outside the 150m corridor would be accommodated in the development.
He also called on the residents to send representatives who would sit with the authorities to determine how they would be accommodated in the corridor development.
Makinde also stated that anyone who had not started their project within the corridor should not start now as they will not be accommodated within the new arrangement.
“I have a solution. For now, there will not be any demolition, and I have asked them to stop whatever demolition they are doing… I promise you.
‘”Anyone who already has a building within the 150m-500 metres, none of the houses that are standing right there will be demolished, but there must be no further development on that corridor”, he said.
The governor, who appreciated the protesters for their peaceful conduct, reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the people of Oyo State while keeping its focus on sustaining the state.
“You will have to appoint some representatives in these communities to sit down with the government and look for a way out because we are doing the Circular Road project to create employment opportunities for our people.
We will have industries along the corridor.”
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