Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced plans to personally engage with residents affected by the ongoing 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road Project, beginning from Wednesday this week.
Governor's Commitment to Humane Development
While presenting the 2026 Budget Proposal to the State House of Assembly on Monday, Governor Makinde declared that his administration will continue to ensure development remains fair, humane and inclusive for all citizens. The governor maintained that he would honor his promise to run a people-centered government by visiting the Circular Road project sites, listening to residents, and exploring all possibilities including adequate compensation and resettlement.
"When I took up this job, I envisaged situations like this," Governor Makinde stated. "You did not come to beg me to become the governor. I came out to say I wanted to do something good for Oyo State."
Addressing Land Acquisition Concerns
The governor revealed that his administration did not carry out any new land acquisitions for the project, explaining that he was forced to release documents showing that the previous government had already acquired 500 metres each to the right and left of the road corridor. According to Makinde, this acquisition was published in the November 24, 2018 edition of the Nigerian Tribune newspaper.
"On November 24th, 2018, was I the governor then?" Makinde questioned, emphasizing that the land acquisition predated his administration.
Broader Vision for Oyo State Development
Governor Makinde justified the importance of the Circular Road Project, describing it as crucial for equity, growth and shared prosperity in Oyo State. He warned politicians seeking to profit from the controversy to reconsider their stance, noting that Oyo State residents are wiser and can see through such tactics.
"The Circular Road is not just about connectivity; it is about equity, growth, and shared prosperity," the governor emphasized.
Makinde also highlighted his administration's focus on shifting governance toward institutional legacy, ensuring that systems rather than personalities drive development. He mentioned the creation of institutions like OYACA and the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority as evidence of this commitment.
The governor concluded with a message of reassurance to Oyo State residents: "We have not failed you in over six years, and we will not fail you now. You have stood firm through difficult times. You have trusted the process and believed in the vision."
Governor Makinde's engagement with affected communities will begin on Wednesday at Ologuneru, marking the start of a series of visits to address residents' concerns directly.
