Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde on Monday addressed protesters who are affected by government decision to set aside 500metres left and right for Ibadan Circular Road project.
Gov Makinde while addressing protesters on Day-4 of the protest reinstated that 500metres left and right has come to stay. He said government will not take less than 500metres has planned but will integrate existing buildings that fall outside 150metres into the corridor.
Gov Makinde said government will not pull down any house that fall within the additional 350metres of the Circular Road Corridor.
He took his time to explain how the road project was increased from 150metres to 500metres in 2018 and gazetted by late former governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Governor Makinde appreciated the protesters that for peaceful conduct of their protest and not resolving into a violent one.
“I take my time to visit Ibadan Circular Road project every two weeks to monitor situation of things. I can tell you number of houses to be affected is not up to 400,000 as claimed. We will integrate where we have densely population into the project. I can tell you confidently, no house within the corridor will be demolished but no new structure should be erected as from now”.
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Gov Makinde attributed the marking and demolition notice carrying out by Ministry of Lands and Urban Development to information gap.
He called for peaceful dialogue with the leaders of the affected LGAs. He urged the entire affected areas to select Committee Members to meet with government on modalities to ensure welfare of every house owners.
Gov Makinde said no one believes Circular Road project will become reality during their lifetimes. He called for continued support of his administration as people’s oriented government.
The protesters unanimously demanded for no corridor in the project.
