The Forum of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for what it described as his compassionate and responsive leadership, particularly in addressing concerns of residents affected by the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project.
The chairmen, who spoke on Wednesday evening in a released statement signed by their chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, and made available by the forum publicity secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo, lauded the governor’s decision to personally meet with affected homeowners, community leaders, and demolition victims to resolve lingering disputes surrounding properties within the project’s designated setback areas.
They praised the peaceful conduct of earlier protests by affected residents and emphasized that Governor Makinde has once again demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of his citizens.
“Governor Makinde is a man with a listening ear. He promised to be a man of the masses, and he has consistently stood with the people,” the forum said.
“The last few weeks have been tough for homeowners along the Circular Road corridor, especially those whose buildings were marked for demolition, but today the governor has put their worries to rest.”
According to the council bosses, the governor assured residents that no house would be demolished without compensation. They added that Makinde reaffirmed his stance not to enforce the 500-metre setback in areas where houses already exist.
They further explained that all matters relating to the Circular Road and its corridor would henceforth be handled by the New Town and Cities Development Authority, working closely with affected homeowners and demolition victims, rather than the Ministry previously responsible as said by the governor.
Speaking on the purpose of the Ibadan Circular Road project, the council chairman said the project is designed to connect major entry and exit points to the city of Ibadan.
The forum highlighted the project’s capacity to ease congestion in the city centre, divert heavy-duty vehicles, and unlock new development corridors when completed. Key features of the project, they noted, include express lanes, bridges, and solar-powered communication infrastructure.
Regarding its economic impact, the Oyo state local government chairmen stated that the project is expected to boost real estate values and stimulate economic activity across surrounding communities.
They thereafter appealed to residents, especially those in the outskirts of Ibadan, to support Governor Makinde’s administration in implementing the Ibadan Master Plan, which aims to drive new residential, commercial, and industrial growth around the city.
