The Oyo State Government has directed officials from the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to cease marking and demolishing buildings beyond a 150-meter boundary along the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road. This announcement was made during a press briefing on Friday by the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, alongside Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, Commissioner for Public Works and Transport.
In his address, Akin-Funmilayo emphasized the administration's commitment to the welfare of its citizens and reassured affected homeowners that they would receive adequate compensation. The government has commenced an enumeration process to assess properties in the corridor impacted by the road project.
Contradicting claims that Governor Seyi Makinde had extended the setback from 150 meters to 500 meters, Akin-Funmilayo clarified that no new land acquisitions had occurred since the governor's administration began in 2019. He outlined that the original 150-meter boundary was established in August 2006 under Ladoja’s government, and an additional 350-meter setback was later gazetted by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2018.
Akin-Funmilayo reassured residents that the government aims to minimize disruptions during road construction. “While some buildings may need to be cleared, we assure affected homeowners that proper compensation will be provided. The marking of buildings is primarily for enumeration purposes, to freeze ongoing developments," he stated.
Addressing concerns about potential demolitions, he clarified, “The marking does not imply demolition. It serves two purposes: to identify existing structures before construction begins and to ensure those eligible for compensation are documented. We’ve observed new constructions despite warnings, and those developments may not be compensated.”
The commissioner also highlighted that the state intends to preserve existing settlements within the 150-meter buffer, ensuring they are not removed. He invited residents to support government initiatives, reassured them of ongoing communication, and reiterated that, for the time being, no buildings beyond the 150-meter mark would be marked or demolished.
Residents, represented by Prince Niyi Fasoye, expressed hopes for favorable engagement with Governor Makinde's administration regarding the ongoing developments.