Landlords and property owners in the Odeyale area of Ona Ara Local Council, whose houses were affected by the construction of the Circular Road, have appealed to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, to fulfill his promise to compensate them.
The affected residents, through a letter signed by Dr. Opeyemi Olatunji on their behalf, stressed that their experiences during the demolition were gruesome and have taken a toll on their emotional and physical well-being. Several people have died, while others are nursing high blood pressure, and some families have been separated with some members becoming bedridden.
"We, whose houses, properties and land were demolished for the continuous construction of the Novel Ibadan Circular Road, wish to remind the Governor, Government of Oyo State, to kindly remember to honor the promises he made that he would compensate those whose property was affected," the letter read in part.
The letter further stated that since the demolition in February 2024, many of those who lost their homes have been unable to rent or acquire new accommodation, with the poorer ones living on bush paths, in uncompleted buildings, churches, mosques, and schools.
In reaction, the state's Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey, and Urban Development, Akin-Funmilayo Williams, said the government was doing the compensation in phases and that it would soon reach the affected residents in Odeyale.
The residents have appealed to the governor to extend the same gesture given to the people of Ajia and other places to them, noting that a speedier payment of the promised compensation would significantly help alleviate their suffering.