Circular Road Demolition Victims Appeal to Makinde Over Delayed Compensation

…As residents say two years after demolition, many remain homeless as they await promised payments.

Residents affected by the Oyo State Government’s Circular Road demolition have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to expedite the payment of compensation, saying many of them have been left homeless and in severe hardship two years after their properties were demolished.

Speaking on behalf of affected residents, the Chairman of Zone One, Aba-Otun, Idi-Ose, Mr. Kazeem Bello, popularly known as Fele, said victims have repeatedly visited the Oyo State Secretariat in pursuit of compensation but are yet to receive payment.

According to Bello, several displaced residents are currently without shelter, while some have reportedly lost their lives or developed serious health conditions due to the hardship that followed the demolition.

He said he had been forced to seek temporary accommodation in places of worship but had also been asked to leave, leaving him without a permanent place to stay.

Bello stated that affected residents had submitted all required documents to the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Former Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya (rtd), for processing of their compensation.

He said they were informed that compensation would be paid in phases and were initially assured that payments would commence within a week.

However, he noted that the payments had yet to be made.
According to him, the delay was attributed to the state’s attention being focused on the recent kidnapping incident involving pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

While expressing confidence in Governor Makinde’s compassion, Bello appealed to the governor to intervene and ensure that compensation is paid without further delay.

He also urged the state government to come to the aid of affected families before political campaigns begin, noting that many victims have exhausted the support previously received from relatives, religious organisations and well-wishers.

The affected communities include Fasade, Oriigbo, Odeyale, Kopek, Agbena, Aba-Otun, Idi-Ose, Elewe and Akiipe-Oko-Yanrin, all located in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State.