By Ayomide Otitoju
The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Ibadan Circular Road project, stressing that the initiative is being executed with a clear vision aimed at unlocking significant investment opportunities for the state.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government described the current agitation surrounding the project as expected, though “seemingly hijacked by a few individuals with a different agenda.” He noted that the scale and importance of the project—long avoided by previous administrations—leave the government with no option but to ensure its successful completion.
Oyelade said residents should look forward to an upcoming all-inclusive meeting between the government and verified landowners, advising the public to disregard “preemptive and volatile remarks” capable of misleading citizens. He confirmed that compensation payments are ongoing, while discussions on possible resettlement will begin once a meeting is scheduled with legitimate stakeholders.
The commissioner highlighted past and ongoing projects for which compensation had been paid, including the dualisation of Idi Ape–Bashorun–Akobo–Odogbo Barracks Road; Ilorin Express Junction–Ikoyi Road; Taki–Soun Palace Road in Ogbomoso; Saki Oke-Ogun Polytechnic–Ilesha Ibaruba Road; and several others totalling 16 major road projects. According to him, the state has paid a cumulative ₦2.326 billion in compensation for 250 kilometres of road development across Oyo State.
Providing an update on the Ibadan Circular Road, Oyelade said the first phase covers 32.2 kilometres from the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University to Badeku Junction. Out of 7,340 structures mapped along the entire 110km corridor, only 1,354 buildings were affected in the first phase, meaning that 82 per cent of structures remain untouched.
He emphasised that the verification process requires “a painstaking yet humane approach,” revealing that more than ₦800 million has already been paid to about 200 verified claimants, with further payments underway. He also accused land speculators of encroaching on the corridor despite government warnings to halt all new construction and transactions.
Despite what he described as the “unnecessary militancy” of a few individuals, the commissioner expressed confidence that most residents understand the long-term benefits of the project. He urged protesters to stop disrupting social and commercial activities in Ibadan.
Oyelade assured that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remains committed to transparency and will ensure the successful implementation of the Ibadan Circular Road, which he described as an inevitable and transformative project for the state.
