Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Oyo State Government has commenced the payment of compensation to property owners whose lands and structures are affected by the ongoing expansion and asphaltic reconstruction of the Ojoo/Akinyele Road, a major arterial route in the northern part of Ibadan. The Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Williams Akin‑funmilayo, disclosed this during an interactive session and the actual disbursement of funds to affected claimants on Monday, May 25, 2026. According to the commissioner, a total of 65 property owners have been identified in the first phase of the verification exercise; 22 have been cleared and have already received their compensation, while the remaining claimants are still going through the clearance process.
The road project, which includes the asphaltic reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Ojoo Interchange/IITA, Moniya Junction/Akinyele Interchange, with spurs to the new Oyo Expressway, is part of the state government’s broader infrastructure drive aimed at expanding the economy, boosting agribusiness, and positioning Oyo as a business hub in the South‑West. Akin‑funmilayo explained that no development should have negative consequences for members of the public, and that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde is committed to ensuring that citizens affected by public works are fairly and promptly compensated. He noted that upon completion, the road will open up the area to significant economic activity, especially with the planned inland dry port, railway station, new town development, and the ongoing construction of the Circular Road. These projects, he said, will enable investors to clear their goods at the dry port with ease and will boost the regional economy.
The commissioner disclosed that Governor Makinde has mandated the ministry to always process the documents of affected property owners without any delay. To ensure transparency and speed, the government established a standing committee on verification of affected claimants, headed by the Executive Assistant on Security to the Governor, retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Babatunde Odukoya. “As soon as the committee clears the claimants, payments follow,” Akin‑funmilayo said. He also warned the beneficiaries not to bribe anyone out of their compensation money, stressing that the funds are solely for them. He urged them to report any ministry official who demands a bribe directly to his office.
Speaking on behalf of the claimants, Mr. Kayode Adebayo and Mrs. Oseni Alimot Tolulope expressed their gratitude to the Makinde administration, describing the compensation as a surprise and a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens. They said they had not expected such a prompt response and urged the government to continue its people‑centred policies.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Hakim Ademola Audu, directors, and other officials. The Oyo State Government has repeatedly stated that the ongoing infrastructure revolution across the state is designed to create a conducive environment for businesses and improve the quality of life of residents. With the payment of compensation now underway, work on the Ojoo/Akinyele road expansion is expected to accelerate, bringing relief to commuters and unlocking the economic potential of the corridor.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments