Oyo Govt Clarifies Ojoo-Akinyele Demolitions, Says Action Follows Federal Right of Way Regulations

The Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transport has clarified that the removal of structures on the Ojoo-Akinyele Interchange was in line with the Federal Ministry of Works’ regulations on the Right of Way (ROW) for federal roads. This clarification comes in response to claims blaming the state government for the demolition.

According to a statement signed by Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, the Ojoo-Akinyele Interchange lies within the ROW, which extends 45.72 meters on either side of a federal road's centerline, as stated in the Federal Highway Act. The Federal Government had earlier warned the public not to build on these reserved areas.

The Ministry emphasized that although the state government received approval to construct the interchange, the road remains a federal property, governed by federal regulations. Thus, all activities, including demolitions, are carried out in compliance with these rules.

It also noted that the Federal Ministry of Works has consistently issued warnings since 2020 against erecting illegal structures on federal roads. The public is encouraged to direct inquiries to the Federal Controller of Works in Oyo State for further clarification.