Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Oyo State Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has approved a substantial compensation package of N5.813 billion for more than 900 property owners whose lands have been impacted by the ongoing construction of the Ibadan Circular Road. The announcement, made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, marks a major step toward resolving a long-standing source of tension between the state government and displaced residents. The compensation is structured to address the concerns of those who have seen their properties taken over for the ambitious infrastructure project, which is designed to decongest the ancient city of Ibadan and stimulate urban development.
In his official statement, Oyelade explained that the move is intended to put an end to agitations and clear up misconceptions surrounding the Circular Road project. The commissioner noted that the approved sum will be disbursed to affected families, paving the way for accelerated planning and development. He added that the decision is expected to boost investor confidence and help realize the government’s vision of transforming Ibadan and Oyo State into a modern economic hub. The compensation effort is not new, as the council recalled that over N800 million had already been paid in an earlier phase within the past 18 months. However, the latest approval significantly expands the scope of support, covering a much larger number of claimants.
The Ibadan Circular Road is a signature project of the Makinde administration, intended to reduce traffic congestion in the city center and open up new corridors for residential and commercial growth. However, the project has faced delays and controversies over the years, particularly regarding the acquisition of land and the welfare of those displaced. In the weeks leading up to the approval, residents had protested, demanding fair treatment and adequate compensation. Some had expressed concerns that only a fraction of affected persons had been paid and that the amounts offered were insufficient. Tuesday’s approval of N5.8 billion appears to be a direct response to those grievances.
Beyond the compensation for property owners, the Oyo State government also approved N710.38 million for transportation subsidies covering the period between March and August 2026. This subsidy is part of the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) programme, which was established in 2023 to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the masses. The government reported that more than four million commuters, including students, pensioners, and persons with disabilities, benefited from between 50 and 100 percent fare subsidies in the previous year alone. The new allocation is expected to continue that support, helping to ease the financial burden on vulnerable groups amid rising living costs.
The Executive Council also reaffirmed its commitment to other major infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of the Okaka Junction–Otu–Igbeti–Kishi road and the construction of bridges over the Otu and Ofiki rivers. These projects, valued at N26.48 billion, are considered critical for connecting rural communities to markets and stimulating economic activity in the northern part of the state. An additional N3.98 billion was approved to expand the scope of the road project, indicating the government’s determination to modernize the state’s transportation network despite fiscal pressures.
In addition to infrastructure, the council approved the completion of the Oyo State Christian Wing multipurpose hall, a project that was initiated over 25 years ago during the administration of Governor Lam Adesina. The completion will cost N126.9 million and is seen as a gesture of cultural and religious inclusivity. The government also gave the green light for the hosting of the 2026 Oyo State International Tourism Summit, aimed at showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage and expanding its global tourism potential. These approvals reflect a broader strategy of using governance to drive social cohesion and economic development.
The compensation approval has been met with cautious optimism by affected residents. Community leaders have welcomed the move but called for transparency in the disbursement process to ensure that the funds reach the rightful beneficiaries without delays or deductions. The government has assured the public that the payment process will be handled efficiently and that all necessary documentation will be provided to claimants. For many families who have been waiting for years to be compensated for lost homes and farmlands, the approval of N5.8 billion offers a glimmer of hope that their long ordeal may finally be coming to an end.
Governor Makinde, who has faced criticism from opposition figures over the pace of infrastructure development, is likely to use the compensation approval as evidence of his administration’s commitment to fairness and inclusive governance. As the 2027 election cycle draws nearer, the resolution of land disputes and the visible progress on the Circular Road could serve as key talking points for the governor’s re-election campaign. For the people of Ibadan and Oyo State, the focus remains on whether the promises made will translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives. With the compensation now approved, the ball is in the court of the state government to ensure that the funds are disbursed promptly and that the Circular Road project moves forward without further disruption.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments