Traditional rulers and residents of Ibadan have appealed to the minister of power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to help them engage with the Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde on the urgent need to halt the ongoing demolition of houses for the Ibadan Circular Road project initiated by the state government.
They made the appeal when Adelabu gave out N25 million to residents whose properties were affected by the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project initiated by the Oyo State government.
Adelabu, a 2027 governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the intervention was aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by displaced residents.
The demolition exercise had generated widespread public outcry among property owners whose structures were either demolished or marked for demolition within the 500-metre buffer zone on both sides of the 113-kilometre project corridor.
The Baale of Asanke Village, Chief Sule Asanke, appealed to the minister to intervene by engaging Governor Makinde to halt the demolitions.
One of the affected residents, Mrs Modinat, tearfully narrated how her property was demolished and appealed to the Minister to intercede on their behalf.
Speaking during an interactive session with the affected residents, Adelabu emphasised that his gesture was purely humanitarian and not politically motivated.
“We are one family in Ibadan. I am a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Oyo State. This is not about politics; it is about restoring hope and easing the pain of our people,” he said.
He said the donation of ₦25 million is the first phase of his intervention to help affected residents secure temporary accommodation.
“For this initial phase, I am donating ₦25 million so that some of you can rent temporary apartments. I believe this will provide immediate relief while longer-term solutions are explored,” he stated.
Adelabu expressed deep sympathy for those who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the demolition exercise.
“Yes, we all desire development that brings progress to Ibadan and Oyo State. However, it must not come at the expense of human lives and welfare. Every development project should have a human face. Progress that disregards people’s well-being ceases to be development.”
He further cautioned against arbitrary demolitions that displace families and render them homeless.
“Government exists to serve the people, not to inflict pain on them. A road corridor can be established, but it must be done responsibly and with compassion,” he added.
Adelabu pledged to explore all available channels – both at the federal and state levels – to ensure that justice and fairness prevail. He also promised to engage Governor Makinde, whom he described as “a friend and brother,” to seek a balanced and compassionate resolution.
