The Oyo State Government has directed officials of the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development to stop marking and demolishing houses beyond the 150-metre mark along Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Circular Road.
The state’s Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, issued this order during a press briefing held alongside the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Dahud Shangodoyin, at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Friday.
Akin-Funmilayo emphasised that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to prioritising the welfare of its citizens and residents to ensure further growth and development.
Contrary to claims that Makinde extended the setback on the road from 150 metres to 500 metres, the commissioner clarified that the governor has not acquired any additional land within the Circular Road corridor since assuming office in 2019.
He explained, “The 150 metres to the left and 150 metres to the right of the Circular Road were acquired in August 2006 during Senator Rashidi Ladoja’s administration as governor, while the additional 350 metres to the left and right of the road were also acquired and gazetted by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2018”.
Akin-Funmilayo assured the affected residents that adequate compensation would be provided once the enumeration of their lands and properties had been completed
He also reassured property owners that, for now, the government would halt the marking and demolition of the affected buildings.
We have established that the acquisition of the Circular Road was done in two phases: one in 2006, covering 150 metres to the left and right, and the extension to 500 metres in 2018. The gazettes to that effect are available. Since coming into office, the governor has not acquired a single square metre along the Circular Road.
“What the governor found upon taking office is what we are developing, and that remains the case. The Circular Road is divided into two phases: the 150-metre segment and the 350-metre segment. We are currently clearing the 150-metre segment for development and the construction of the project. I want to clarify that settlements within the 150-metre area will be fenced off the Circular Road.
“I also want to make it clear that marking buildings does not, in any way, imply demolition. The marking of buildings serves two purposes. Firstly, it is to freeze further development; we need to identify the buildings present when construction begins. Secondly, in the event that compensation is required, we want to have a record of the affected properties. Our doors are open for discussions, and I can assure you that, for now, I have instructed that houses beyond the 150-metre mark should not be marked. I have also instructed that no building should be demolished at this time”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the affected residents, Niyi Fasoye stated that the residents were expecting more favourable responses from Governor Makinde.
