Oyo Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency in Compensation for Circular Road Affected Landowners

…As Govt to reassess disputed payments; new system ensures landowners agree on valuation.

Oyo State Government has restated its commitment to ensuring full transparency, accountability, and fairness in compensating landowners affected by ongoing developments around the Ibadan Circular Road corridor.

This assurance was given by the Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on New Towns and Cities Development Authority, Mrs. Mofoluke Adebiyi, during a press briefing held on Monday at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.

Adebiyi noted that the government is at a critical stage of addressing concerns raised by stakeholders on the Circular Road project, emphasizing that all actions taken by the administration are aimed at protecting public interest while promoting inclusive development.

“We are at the centre point of responding to issues surrounding the Circular Road,” she said. “There is a strong ministerial arrangement in place to ensure that everybody’s voice is represented. This government will continue to speak for all and carry everyone along.”

Addressing concerns over alleged underpayment of some landowners, Adebiyi confirmed that the government is already reviewing the cases to correct any mix-ups.

“We agree that some people were underpaid, and we are looking into that. Going forward, we are establishing a platform that guarantees accuracy and transparency. People will verify and agree with the compensation due to them before payment is made,” she assured.

Adebiyi explained that the Circular Road corridor includes 500 metres on both sides of the road, though adjustments have been made in areas with dense existing development.

“In places where we have clusters of development, the corridor has been reduced to 150 metres on both sides,” she said.

She added that the Circular Road is designed as a controlled-use zone to enhance mobility within the state capital, provide a parallel service road for surrounding communities, and make provision for future expansion.

Beyond the Circular Road corridor, the state is set to commence development of Ilu Tuntun, a planned business district that aligns with emerging infrastructural growth across the state, including the upgraded airport, rail corridor, and the pipeline project passing through Akinyele.

“With Oyo State being a major transit hub for travellers from Lagos to other parts of the country, it is important for us to prepare for the future, which is already here,” Adebiyi said. “We must position Oyo State in a place of advantage for our people and government.”

She emphasized that the state’s development efforts aim to curb urban sprawl and reduce the prevalence of unstructured settlements.

The New Towns and Cities Development Authority will also embark on similar development initiatives across other major towns in Oyo State.

“There will be reasons to sacrifice and reasons to shift,” Adebiyi noted. “But we will not focus on the immediate alone. Our priority is the future, making life better even for those yet unborn.”