The Oyo State Government has directed officials from the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development to halt the marking and demolition of properties beyond 150 metres along the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road.
The government also announced that it has begun an enumeration process to compensate those whose properties fall within the affected area.
The announcement was made on Friday during a joint press briefing by the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, and the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin. The briefing was held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Mr. Akin-Funmilayo clarified that despite rumors, Governor Seyi Makinde has not extended the setback from 150 metres to 500 metres, nor has he acquired any additional land along the Circular Road since taking office in 2019.
According to him, the 150-metre acquisition on both sides of the road was initiated in 2006 under the administration of Senator Rashidi Ladoja, while an additional 350 metres on both sides was acquired and gazetted by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2018.
“Governor Makinde has not acquired a single square metre along the Circular Road since assuming office. What we are developing is what was already in place before his administration,” Akin-Funmilayo explained.
He further assured residents that settlements within the 150-metre corridor, including villages and housing estates, would be preserved and not demolished.
“We won’t embark on a total clearance of the 150-metre segment,” he said. “Some buildings may need to go, but adequate compensation will be paid to the affected owners.”
The Commissioner also emphasized that the marking of buildings is primarily for enumeration purposes and not a precursor to demolition. “Marking buildings does not mean they will be demolished. It’s to freeze further development and to ensure that properties are properly enumerated for compensation, if necessary,” he added.
Akin-Funmilayo urged residents to support the government’s efforts, emphasizing that the development is in the best interest of the state. “We are doing this for the public good, not for personal gain. We will continue to engage with the community and address their concerns,” he said.
In response, a representative of the affected residents, Prince Niyi Fasoye, expressed hope for more favorable actions from the government, particularly from Governor Makinde.
