…Insists on 150m Setback and Transparent Compensation
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has announced new measures to streamline the management of the ongoing 32-kilometre Circular road project, directing that all issues relating to the project be handled exclusively by the newly designated Real Town and City Development Authority.
Governor Makinde, who spoke during a visit to affected communities in Ido Local Government Area, said the move was aimed at ending bureaucratic delays and ensuring seamless engagement with residents.
“No more Ministry of Lands, no more Surveyor-General. You will deal directly with the Real Town and City Development Authority,” he declared.”
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to fairness, insisting that no property would be demolished without proper compensation. He added that his administration is prepared to correct any previously made mistakes to protect the rights of residents.
He stated that the approved setback in built-up areas remains 150 metres, dismissing markings that exceed the limit.
“There is a highway code for setback. Even for a single-lane highway, it is 50 metres,” Makinde explained. “If the Ministry of Lands marks more than 150 metres in a built-up area, disregard it. If they mark your house outside the 150-metre limit, disregard it as well.”
Makinde also directed that boundaries along the project corridor be fenced for transparency and to forestall future disputes.
Governor Makinde disclosed that three of the four segments of the Circular Road are already advancing and may be completed within the next two to three months.
He highlighted that the first segment will be completed under his administration, Badeku–Moniya segment currently has ongoing hydraulic and bridge works and remaining sections, including the Moniya–AATU stretch and the Ido axis, will be executed by the next administration.
Makinde assured residents that their concerns would be addressed through direct government engagement. He asked communities to nominate ten representatives who will interface with the Real Town and City Development Authority.
“I assure you, we will solve this problem, and I will not leave it for the next administration,” he pledged, adding that while residents have the right to protest, they must allow others to continue their economic activities.
The governor emphasized that only the main road corridor would be cleared at this stage, ensuring that individuals legitimately entitled to compensation receive it.
Earlier, representatives of affected communities appealed to the governor to reduce the approved setback from 150 metres to 60 metres, warning that many residents risk displacement.
“We are in support of the Circular Road, but we plead with the governor to look on us with pity and reduce the measurement from 150 metres to 60 metres,” the residents said. “If we are displaced, where do we go? We have all our lives here.”
They urged Makinde to provide a written assurance on the setback adjustment, referencing the concession previously granted to Ayefele’s Music House as an example of compassionate governance.
