Governor Seyi Makinde addressed residents affected by the 110km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road during a peaceful protest at the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi. The protesters, concerned about the potential demolition of their homes, gathered to express their grievances.
The governor praised the protesters for maintaining peace during their demonstration. “First and foremost, I must commend you for having a peaceful protest. This government is your government, and I don’t have a godfather – I only have God the father, and I have you,” Makinde said.
Governor Makinde took the opportunity to dispel misinformation regarding the project. He clarified that he regularly inspects the Circular Road every two weeks, engaging with communities from Tech-U to Badeku. “We, who you elected, are not the wisest people in the state. That’s why when there are challenges, we must sit down together and find solutions. Don’t allow anyone to turn this issue into politics,” he urged.
The governor pointed out that misinformation had been circulating, particularly regarding the project’s scope. He explained that some residents believed their houses were affected by both the Circular Road and an incoming rail line. Governor Makinde clarified that only houses within the 500-meter corridor of the Circular Road were impacted and promised transparency. “If you didn’t deceive me when you voted for me, I won’t deceive you either,” he reassured them.
Providing historical context, Governor Makinde noted that the Circular Road project dates back to Governor Lam Adesina’s tenure, with Governor Ajimobi’s administration officially gazetting the 500-meter corridor in 2018. His government, Makinde stressed, was committed to seeing the project through, even when many doubted its completion. Makinde acknowledged the concerns over demolition and shared a solution: “The mistake was marking houses for demolition unnecessarily. There are claims that 400,000 houses fall within the corridor – that’s a lie.” He proposed a joint enumeration by community representatives and government officials to determine which structures were truly affected.
The governor further emphasized that no homes would be demolished outside the 150-meter corridor. He temporarily halted all demolition activities and pledged that houses built before the 150-meter demarcation would not be destroyed. “This is not the time for politics. We must all work together to find a solution,” he said. Governor Makinde also urged residents to be law-abiding, cautioning against land-grabbing activities and new developments without proper planning. “No new houses will be allowed in the corridor without approval,” he stated, adding that the project’s goal is to attract industries and create jobs for future generations. Governor Makinde also addressed the issue of Land grabbers, warning those involves that they will face government actions. Governor Makinde also acknowledged that other groups were interested in protesting, but their demand was for development. He expressed concerns about the potential chaos if multiple protests were held simultaneously. The governor stressed the importance of maintaining peace and respecting everyone’s right to protest. So please let’s do it wisely, and God will not let me lose anybody, he added.
In closing, the Governor reassured the residents of his commitment to their welfare. “It won’t be my intention to hurt you or cause harm. Select representatives from your community, and we’ll sit down together to find solutions,” he promised. The governor urged the protesters to return home peacefully, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed, and any homes existing before the project and even within the 500m would not be demolished. “You own this government, and I will always look out for your wellbeing, but the law is the law,” Makinde concluded.
Report by Tobiloba Ojetunde for IbadanCity ANNOUNCER
