Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has announced that all matters related to the ongoing Circular Road project will henceforth be handled exclusively by the Real Town and City Development Authority.
The governor said this decision was taken to streamline engagement with affected communities and to ensure that all complaints are addressed without bureaucratic delays.
“No more Ministry of Lands, no more Surveyor-General. You will deal directly with the Real Town and City Development Authority,” Makinde declared during his visit to residents affected by the project in Ido Local Government Area.
He also reaffirmed that no house would be demolished without proper compensation, adding that his administration is committed to correcting any mistakes made in the implementation process.
Earlier during the visit, Governor Makinde had assured residents of fair compensation and adherence to approved setback limits as construction progresses on the 32-kilometre Circular Road, which is divided into four segments stretching from Abiola Ajimobi Technical University to the Ibadan–Ife Road and onward to Badeku.
He said three of the segments are already advancing and are projected for completion within two to three months.
Responding to concerns from homeowners, Makinde noted that he was hearing some of the complaints for the first time and stressed that such issues should have been addressed in meetings with the Ministry of Lands.
He maintained that his directive to the ministry was clear: in built-up areas, the setback should not exceed 150 metres, and the boundary should be fenced off for transparency.
“There is a highway code for setback. Even for a single-lane highway, it is 50 metres,” he said. “If the Ministry of Lands marks more than 150 metres in a built-up area, disregard it. If they mark your house outside the 150-metre limit, disregard it as well.”
Makinde explained that while the first segment of the Circular Road will be completed under his administration, the second segment, stretching from Badeku to Moniya, currently has ongoing hydraulic and bridge works.
He added that the remaining portions from Moniya to Abiola Ajimobi Technical University and the section passing through Ido would be handled by the next administration.
He assured residents that all individuals legitimately entitled to compensation would be paid, and only the main road corridor would be cleared at this stage to avoid future disputes.
“I am offering myself to solve as much of our problems as possible. I will work for the people of Oyo State until the last day,” the governor stated.
While emphasizing that residents have the right to protest, Makinde urged them to allow others to continue their economic activities.
He explained that the newly designated Real Town and City Development Authority will serve as the single point of contact for all grievances regarding the road.
While citing the Badeku–Akaran axis as an example, he noted that his administration had already rejected the previous government’s proposal for a 500-metre setback on both sides in built-up areas, insisting instead on a reasonable corridor that prioritizes residents’ safety and property rights.
To ensure progress in resolving issues, Makinde directed the affected communities to nominate ten representatives who will interface directly with the government.
“I assure you, we will solve this problem, and I will not leave it for the next administration,” he pledged.
Earlier in their separate remarks, Communities affected by the ongoing Circular Road project appealed to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to reconsider the approved 150-metre setback in their area, urging that it be reduced to 60 metres to prevent mass displacement.
The community representatives said they fully support the Circular Road development but pleaded for the governor’s compassion as many risk losing their homes and lifetime investments.
According to them, most residents have spent their life savings acquiring land and building houses in the area, and a 150-metre setback would render them homeless.
“We are in support of the Circular Road, but we plead with the governor to look on us with pity and reduce the measurement from 150 metres to 60 metres,” the representatives said. “If we are displaced, where do we go? We have all our lives here.”
The communities further appealed to the governor to give a written assurance reflecting the reduced setback, similar to the adjustment made years ago for Ayefele’s Music House.
They noted that the gesture would not only protect their homes but also strengthen residents’ confidence in the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency.
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