As promised, Governor Seyi Makinde was at Ologuneru this afternoon to meet with residents affected by the 110 km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road corridor — and what unfolded could mark a turning point in how the project balances progress with people’s rights. The visit provided a platform for affected homeowners to voice their concerns directly, and the administration responded with renewed clarity, empathy, and actionable commitments.
During a lengthy listening session with community representatives, the governor restated his administration’s firm decision to apply a minimum 150-metre setback on each side in densely populated or built-up zones along the corridor. This means that, in areas like Ologuneru where structures have long existed, only the 150 m corridor — covering both the road and required safety/service buffer — will be enforced. In less-developed, non-built-up stretches, the broader 500 metre corridor will still apply, acknowledging the need for future growth and infrastructure safety.
Importantly, he directed that the Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYNTCDA) will henceforth assume full responsibility for all issues related to the Circular Road Corridor. They will be the official agency liaising with affected residents, handling grievances, and coordinating stakeholder engagements.
"To underscore our commitment to fairness, I also promised that adequate compensation will be paid before any further demolitions take place. For those residents who feel they were previously undervalued, we will revisit their cases to ensure justice".
Why This Matters — And How It Differs from Past Approaches
The 500 metre corridor for the Circular Road project has been a constant source of tension and anxiety across communities in the state, especially in built-up neighbourhoods. In recent months, many residents — particularly from six local government areas including Akinyele, Oluyole, Ido, Egbeda, Lagelu, and Ona-Ara — have staged protests, warning that extended corridors threaten their homes.
There have been loud accusations of illegal land grabs, of expansion beyond the originally acquired setback, and allegations that additional land is being allocated to private real-estate developers — all without adequate compensation or public consultations.
Under previous implementation attempts, the threat of demolition created uncertainty, distress, and a sense of injustice among homeowners. Indeed, many affected residents warned of drastic consequences, including loss of homes, livelihoods, and community cohesion.
However, the latest pronouncements signal a significant shift: a more humane, equitable and transparent approach that recognizes the rights of residents already living in built-up zones — while still preserving the long-term vision of the Circular Road for underdeveloped areas.
What Has Actually Been Done — Compensation and Demolitions So Far
The government under Seyi Makinde has already made some strides in compensating property owners affected by earlier phases of the road project. For instance:
In April 2025, the state disbursed ₦264 million as the first batch of compensation to affected property owners on the Circular Road corridor.
By September 2025, another payment of ₦200 million was made to a fresh batch of claimants — covering 193 out of 298 affected property owners in that phase.
Still, many residents have argued that the compensation process remains incomplete, especially those affected by the expanded 500 metre corridor. Some claim they’ve received no payment at all, or were inadequately compensated.
This explains why the recent meeting and the reaffirmed commitment matter so much: residents now feel seen, heard, and, most importantly, assured that their plight will not be ignored anymore.
What We Are Committing To — Transparency, Dialogue, and Justice
During visit to Ologuneru:
"I emphasized that no demolition will occur without full and fair compensation."
"I instructed the OYNTCDA to engage directly with stakeholders — including a new compensation-and-grievance committee composed of ten affected residents — to streamline communication and ensure fairness."
"I promised a revisit to under-compensated cases, guaranteeing that previous undervaluation won’t be swept under the rug".
"I affirmed that in densely populated areas, the setback will be strictly limited to 150 metres — a move that reflects best practices and balances development and social justice."
"By doing this, we aim to build not just a road — but a renewed sense of trust between government and citizens."
Looking Ahead: What Residents Should Expect Next
The OYNTCDA will soon begin door-to-door consultations, mapping out all affected properties — including those previously overlooked or under-assessed.
Homeowners whose properties fall beyond the new 150-metre corridor limit will be formally notified: their homes are safe and will not be demolished.
Compensation payments will resume, with additional rounds scheduled for previously uncompensated or under-compensated homes.
A transparent grievance-handling mechanism will be in place to manage any lingering disputes or new concerns from residents.
Conclusion: A Balanced Path Forward for Progress and People
The Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road remains a critical infrastructure project — vital for relieving traffic congestion, decongesting the core of Ibadan, and unlocking new corridors for commercial, industrial, and residential development in Oyo State.
But progress cannot come at the expense of people’s homes, rights, and dignity. With today’s commitment and the concrete steps we’ve outlined, there is now reason to believe that this project can indeed respect both the letter of development and the spirit of social justice.
For Ologuneru residents — and all homeowners along the corridor — this is not just about roads. It’s about security, fairness, and assurance that, in building the future, no one will be left behind.
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