Oyo Govt Allays Fears: Suspends Marking, Maintains 150m Setback on Circular road

In a press briefing, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, and Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, addressed concerns regarding the designated corridor for the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road. The clarification was provided in a statement issued by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Chief Press Secretary to His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, FNSE, and shared via the official X account of the state government.

Key points from the press conference include:

1. The Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, FNSE, has not expanded the Circular Road corridor.

2. The 500-meter corridor was acquired in two phases:
a. 150 meters (on both sides) in 2006 under former Governor Senator Rashidi Ladoja.
b. 350 meters (on both sides) in 2018 under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

3. The recent markings by ministry officials were conducted to assess existing properties for the purpose of:
a. Identifying those eligible for compensation.
b. Determining properties to be integrated.
c. Identifying those that will need to be relocated.

4. In response to public concerns, Governor Seyi Makinde, FNSE, has approved the suspension of further property markings.

5. The Governor has also mandated that the setback for ongoing construction of the Circular Road should, for now, be limited to 150 meters on both sides.

6. Settlements located within the 150-meter corridor will be preserved and fenced off from the Circular Road. These include villages, housing areas, and other important settlements. No direct access will be provided from these settlements to the Circular Road.

7. The Oyo State Government is committed to minimizing the impact of the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project on buildings and settlements along the designated corridor.