Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has assured Ibadan Circular Road protesters that his administration is a listening government that will continue to look out for the well-being of everyone.
He gave the assurance on Monday, September 23, at the State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on the fourth day of the protest, according to a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Governor Makinde also used the opportunity to reiterate that his administration has 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 additional 350metres.
He reassured the protesters that any buildings that had already been erected within the 500 metres corridor but outside the 150 metres corridor would be accommodated in the development.
He also called on the residents to send representatives that would sit with the authorities to determine how they would be accommodated in the corridor development.
Governor Makinde also stated that anyone who had not started their project within this corridor should not start now as they would not be accommodated within the new arrangement.
He said: “I have a solution. For now, there will not be any demolition and I have asked them to put a stop to whatever demolition they are doing… I promise you. Anyone who already has a building within the 150 metres to 500 metres, none of the houses that are standing right there will be demolished, but there must be no further development on that corridor.”
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 also keeping its focus on developing the state sustainably:
He stated: “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 so that we can create employment opportunities for our people. We will have industries along the corridor.”
Speaking earlier on behalf of the affected residents, Prince Niyi Fasoye, Chief Olaniran Ere Asalatu and Mr Azeez Olaide applauded Governor Makinde’s developmental projects, especially the construction of Ibadan Circular Road, which they noted had influenced development around the area.
They also appreciated the governor for his favourable response to their plight.
