Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has broken his silence on the ongoing protests over the Ibadan Circular Road project, declaring that his administration remains committed to a fair, people-centered resolution while insisting he is unfazed by social media theatrics surrounding the controversy.
Speaking on Monday during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Makinde responded to viral videos showing some residents frying Akara in mock protest allegedly aimed at him.
“I saw videos of people frying Akara saying it’s for me on social media. Everyone will die one day; that’s not something to be ashamed of,” the governor said. “I am not bothered because when I took up this job, I came out voluntarily; you didn’t beg me.”
Addressing the tension surrounding the demolition and compensation issues tied to the Circular Road corridor, Makinde assured residents that his administration has not shut the door on dialogue or humane solutions.
“We acknowledge that progress must be people-centered, and we remain committed to ensuring that development remains fair and inclusive,” he said.
Makinde reaffirmed his earlier promise to physically visit the affected communities, interact with residents, and explore “all possibilities including resettlement in addition to compensation.”
He announced that the engagement would begin this week.
“I will honour the promise I made to visit, listen and explore all possibilities… and I will start this week Wednesday. I will visit Ologuneru. So, if you want to fry akara, meet me there; we will eat it together,” he said.
Also speaking on the matter, Hon. Olajide Akintunde Emmanuel, representing Lagelu State Constituency, faulted the ongoing protests, stating that many of those leading demonstrations are not the actual individuals affected by the Circular Road project.
According to him, the genuinely affected property owners were fully aware that the lands they purchased fall within government-acquired territory designated for the Circular Road.
He added that government regulations and warnings were clear, and those who bought land within the corridor did so with knowledge of the risks.
The Ibadan Circular Road, a flagship infrastructural project designed to decongest traffic and create new economic routes around the city, has faced renewed backlash from residents who allege unfair demolition, inadequate compensation, and poor communication from the state government.
Makinde’s latest intervention signals a shift toward direct engagement after weeks of protests and heightened public tension. His Wednesday visit to Ologuneru is expected to set the tone for wider stakeholder consultations in the days ahead.
