The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the controversial Ibadan Circular Road project, insisting that the multimillion-naira infrastructure development is being executed with a clear long-term vision to attract massive investment and transform the state’s economic landscape.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the growing agitation over the ongoing demolitions along the 500-metre circular road corridor was “not unexpected,” but expressed concern that the process had “been hijacked by a few individuals with ulterior motives.”
Oyelade stressed that despite the opposition, the state remains determined to execute the project to completion, describing it as a landmark undertaking that previous administrations failed to confront due to its scale and complexity.
The commissioner assured that an all-inclusive meeting between government officials and verified landowners would soon be convened. He urged the public to ignore “preemptive and volatile remarks” being circulated by some individuals, warning that such narratives were capable of misleading unsuspecting residents.
According to him, discussions on resettlement will begin immediately an agreed date is fixed with confirmed stakeholders, while compensation payments are ongoing. He disclosed that the state has a record of due compensation in similar projects across Oyo.
Oyelade cited several major road projects—including Idi Ape–Bashorun–Akobo Road, Ilorin Express Junction–Ikoyi Road, Saki–Oke Ogun Polytechnic Road, and Challenge–Odo Ona Elewe Road—where a total of N2.326 billion had been paid to affected property owners across 250km of roads.
Providing clarity on the current phase of the Circular Road, Oyelade explained that out of 7,340 structures identified along the entire 110km alignment, only 1,354 buildings are affected in the first 32.2km stretch between the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University and Badeku Junction—representing just 18% of all structures.
He added that more than N800 million has already been paid to about 200 verified claimants, with further disbursements underway. The verification process, he said, remains “thorough and humane.”
The commissioner also condemned land speculators who ignored government warnings and erected fresh buildings within the marked corridor, insisting that such violations will not derail the project.
While acknowledging the emotional toll of the demolitions, Oyelade criticised what he called the “unnecessary militancy” displayed by a small group of protesters. He maintained that the majority of residents understand the economic and infrastructural benefits the project will bring.
He appealed to protesters to end disruptions to social and commercial activities in Ibadan, assuring that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remains committed to fairness, transparency and due process.
In a related appeal, the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED) called on residents,particularly those affected by the demolition—to embrace dialogue and support the government’s development efforts.
The agency’s Director-General, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, described the Circular Road as a transformative project that would significantly ease traffic congestion, open new economic corridors, improve intra-city movement, and enhance livelihoods across the state.
Thomas acknowledged the pain of affected property owners but emphasised that “critical and sometimes painful decisions” are necessary for long-term development. He urged protesters to “sheath their swords” and not allow political actors to hijack or inflame the situation.
As tensions continue to build over the demolitions, the government insists that the Circular Road will position Oyo State as a major investment hub while reshaping the economic future of Ibadan and its environs.
