Oyo PDP Publicity Secretary clarifies Ibadan Circular Road Project, Accuses APC of Mischief

The Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Micheal Ogunsina, has released a statement clarifying the issues surrounding the Ibadan Circular Road project, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of inciting violence and mischief.

According to Ogunsina, the project was initiated in the late 90s and gazetted in 2005 under the administration of Governor Rashidi Ladoja, with a 150-metre corridor. The corridor was later increased to 500 metres by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who also handed over the project to a contractor, ENL CONSORTIUM.

Ogunsina emphasized that the current administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has not taken any extra metre of land beyond the 500 metres gazetted by Ajimobi and has actually started paying compensation to property owners on the circular road.

1. He noted that the compensation process is being handled by independent surveyors and valuers, and that the government is paying a significant amount to affected property owners.

He urged protesters to be wary of APC and other political elements who have infiltrated their crowd and are inciting violence, stating that the genuine protesters are being misled by a failed gubernatorial aspirant from the APC who has been giving them money to derail the government. Ogunsina identified the individual as a former gubernatorial aspirant, and accused him of using the protesters to further his own political interests.

Ogunsina also commended Governor Makinde for his kindness and in compensating property owners, noting that previous administrations had demolished properties without compensation. He cited examples of demolitions carried out by previous governments in areas such as Gate, Ìdí Àpe, Basorun, Akobo, Eleyele, and Dugbe, where many property owners were not compensated.

The statement concluded that the Ibadan Circular Road project is a game-changer for the state’s economy and urged citizens to support the government’s efforts. Ogunsina also called on protesters to engage with the government in a peaceful and constructive manner, stating that Governor Makinde is willing to meet with real property owners to ensure compliance and address their concerns.