Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has taken a significant step towards the completion of the much anticipated Circular Road project in Ibadan by constituting a committee to oversee the payment of compensation to landowners affected by the project. This development is expected to pave the way for the smooth execution of the road project, which is designed to ease traffic congestion and improve infrastructure in the state capital.
The Circular Road project, which is one of the flagship initiatives of the Makinde administration, is a major arterial route that will connect key areas of Ibadan, facilitating better traffic flow and promoting economic activities. However, like many infrastructural projects, it requires the acquisition of land from private landowners along the proposed route. To ensure fairness and transparency, the state government has set up a committee tasked with determining the appropriate compensation for affected landowners.
The committee, which is composed of experts in land valuation, legal practitioners, and officials from relevant government departments, is mandated with evaluating the land to be acquired and ensuring that landowners are compensated in line with established legal frameworks and government policies. Their work will involve assessing the value of the land, calculating compensation rates, and ensuring that the payments are made promptly and without dispute.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, Governor Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the interests of landowners are protected. He stressed that the compensation process would be handled with transparency, fairness, and respect for the rights of the affected individuals.
Governor Makinde has long emphasized his vision of transforming Ibadan into a modern and well connected city. The Circular Road project is a key component of this vision, aimed at decongesting the city's busy roads, improving the overall traffic network, and making it more accessible for residents and businesses alike.
By facilitating better transportation routes, the project is also expected to drive economic growth by opening up new areas for development, reducing travel time, and improving access to essential services across the city.
We are committed to building a state that works for every resident, and part of that is making sure that as we build critical infrastructure, we are mindful of the needs and rights of our citizens. The Circular Road project is vital to the long term growth of Ibadan, and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that landowners who are affected are properly compensated, Governor Makinde said.
The formation of the committee is expected to provide clarity and assurance to landowners whose properties will be impacted by the road expansion. Many landowners had expressed concerns over compensation, and the committee is now tasked with addressing those concerns through a thorough and fair evaluation process.
Landowners will be required to submit necessary documentation and cooperate with the committee’s assessment process. Once the compensation rates are finalized, payments will be made directly to those whose properties are affected by the project, with efforts to ensure timely and equitable distribution of funds.
This move is seen as part of Governor Makinde's broader agenda of improving Oyo State's infrastructure and creating a more sustainable urban environment. By addressing the compensation issue proactively, the state government is working to minimize delays that could arise from land disputes or dissatisfaction among affected citizens.
The Circular Road project is just one of several infrastructural developments in Ibadan and across Oyo State aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents, attracting investment, and improving the state’s economic standing.
As Oyo State moves forward with the Circular Road project, the establishment of a compensation committee reflects the administration’s commitment to responsible governance and infrastructural development. With transparency and fairness at the forefront of the compensation process, the Makinde administration is taking a critical step in ensuring that the Circular Road project proceeds without unnecessary delays, benefiting both landowners and the broader public.