Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday, received Ibadan Circular Road protesters, declaring that his administration is working for the well-being of all people in the state.
The governor, while addressing the protesters, declared that his administration is a listening government and will continue to promote the welfare of the people.
Governor Makinde also seized the opportunity to restate that his administration has not acquired any land on the Circular Road corridor.
He stated that, while the late former Governor Lam Adesina and former Governor Rashidi Ladoja set the 150 metres mark, late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi acquired and gazetted additional 350 metres.
He reassured the protesters that any buildings that have already been erected within the 500m corridor but outside the 150m corridor of the Circular Road will be accommodated in the development.
Makinde called on the residents to send representatives that will sit with the authorities to determine how they will be accommodated in the corridor development.
He also advised that anyone who has not started their project within the Circular Road corridor should not start now as they will not be accommodated within the new arrangement.
Makinde said: “I have a solution. For now, there will not be any demolition and I have asked them to put a stop to whatever demolition they are doing… I promise you.
“Anyone who already has a building within the 150 metres-500 metres, none of the houses that are standing right there will be demolished but there must be no further development on that corridor.”
The governor, who appreciated the protesters for their peaceful conduct, reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the people of Oyo State.
He said his administration would also keeping its focus on developing the state sustainably.
“You will have to appoint some representatives in these communities to sit down with the government and look for a way out.
“This is because we are doing the Circular Road project so that we can create employment opportunities for our people. We will have industries along the corridor,” he said.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the affected residents, Prince Niyi Fasoye, Chief Olaniran Ere Asalatu and Mr Azeez Olaide applauded Governor Makinde’s developmental projects.
The trio particularly praised the governor for the construction of Ibadan Circular Road, which they noted had influenced development around the area. They also appreciated the governor for his favourable response to their plight.
