The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Lawal, has appealed to residents and property owners affected by the Ibadan Circular Road project to see the development as a long-term investment in the future of the state, assuring them that those whose properties are affected will be compensated.
Lawal made the statement on Friday against the backdrop of agitations by some property owners along the Circular Road corridor, who alleged that the Seyi Makinde-led administration was depriving them of their properties to favour certain political investors.
The deputy governor spoke while commissioning a newly constructed office complex for the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, and presenting awards to former chairmen of the council.
Speaking at the event held at the Egbeda Local Government Secretariat in Ibadan, Lawal assured affected property owners that compensation would be paid in line with the overriding public interest.
He explained that the Oyo State Government was taking steps to ensure that the Ibadan Circular Road corridor was properly planned to prevent the uncontrolled development and unplanned settlements that emerged around the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway after its construction.
According to him, the Circular Road project is being planned with the next 10 to 20 years in mind, with Egbeda Local Government expected to be one of the major beneficiaries of the development.
“To the glory of God Almighty, I am here today to commission the Chairman’s Quarters of Egbeda Local Government, constructed by Hon. Sikiru Sanda.
“This edifice was funded through the council’s IGR, and I have inspected it myself. Egbeda Local Government is now a nodal point within Ibadan—encircled by projects designed to drive development.
“From the Circular Road to the Air Force Base and the Egbe-Ona Ara Development Corridor, this local government holds immense prospects for Oyo State.”
Addressing concerns over the Circular Road project, Lawal said some properties would have to give way in the interest of broader development.
“People have been agitating over the Circular Road corridor, but if we want development, certain things must give way for overriding public interest.
“The benefits may not be immediately visible, but we are planning 10 to 20 years. Those whose houses were demolished will be compensated. They should not agitate. They must understand what the Oyo State Government is trying to achieve.”
The deputy governor recalled witnessing the construction of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in 1977, noting that inadequate planning contributed to the emergence of unplanned settlements along parts of the road.
“I witnessed the construction of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in 1977. The left side of the road toward Lagos was virgin land, but because it was not planned, it became a slum.
“We must not repeat that mistake. The Circular Road we are building will come with adequate planning, so that future generations will know that we had a clear vision for Oyo State.”
Egbeda Chairman Hails Makinde
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, described the newly commissioned office complex as a lasting legacy of his administration.
Sanda disclosed that the project was fully financed through the council’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
He expressed gratitude to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for creating an environment that enables local governments to pursue and execute development projects.
The council chairman described Makinde as a transformational leader and assured residents that additional projects were underway across Egbeda Local Government.
Sanda also pledged to continue serving the people of Egbeda and Oyo State until the end of his tenure.