The Oyo State government has addressed the growing agitation surrounding the Ibadan Circular Road corridor, providing clarity on its plans for the project.
Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, briefed newsmen on Friday, shedding light on the government’s acquisition and development strategy.
The state government acquired 150 meters left and right from the middle of the road in 2006, while an additional 350 meters left and right was acquired in 2018.
These acquisitions were gazetted by previous administrations, with the Governor Seyi Makinde-led government not acquiring any additional land.
According to Akin-Funmilayo, the government is currently clearing the first segment of 150 meters left and right.
However, he assured that no houses will be demolished in densely populated areas.
Structures of economic value within the 150-meter corridor will also be fenced, and government officials will stop marking houses for demolition beyond the 150-meter point.
The Commissioner emphasized that the Makinde administration is only developing what it inherited, without acquiring extra land.
This approach aims to balance development with the needs of citizens.
The briefing followed a series of daily protests by residents of the Ibadan Circular Road corridor in front of the state secretariat in Ibadan.
The government’s meeting with representatives of the affected residents aimed to address their concerns and provide clarity on the project.
Akin-Funmilayo stated, “We’re not acquiring additional land; we’re only developing what we met on ground.”
He further noted, “We’ll take cognizance of not demolishing densely populated segments, settlements, and structures of economic value.”
