The Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, has defended the ongoing demolitions along the Ibadan Circular Road corridor, saying the cleared land will be handed over to private investors under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Government Addresses Public Backlash

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government clarified that the exercise is part of the 110-kilometre Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, a key infrastructure initiative designed to ease congestion, attract investment, and support the Ibadan Master Plan (2017).

The clarification followed mounting criticism and protests in Ibadan, where residents and property owners have accused the government of carrying out illegal demolitions. The African Action Congress (AAC), an opposition party, has been leading demonstrations demanding an immediate halt to the project.

Oyo Government Explains Purpose of Demolitions

According to the statement, the Ibadan Circular Road is meant to create new residential, commercial, and industrial corridors to stimulate economic growth. The land being cleared, the government said, had been previously acquired for the project’s right of way and controlled development zones.

“The initial 150-metre right of way (75 metres on each side) was acquired and compensated for in 2005 under the administration of Governor Rashidi Ladoja,” the statement read.

It added that the corridor was expanded under Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2017 to one kilometre (500 metres on each side) to align with international standards for infrastructure safety and urban development.

Clarification on Confusion and Affected Areas

The government admitted that confusion arose because some individuals and communities had constructed buildings within the already acquired land, creating overlaps between official boundaries and residential areas.

However, it assured residents that a “balanced and humane approach” is being implemented.

“In densely populated areas, only the 150-metre setback on each side will be enforced — 75 metres for the road’s right of way and 75 metres for service and safety buffers,” it said.

Only Structures Within Approved Zones Affected

Rejecting claims of indiscriminate demolition, the Oyo government stated that only structures within the designated 150-metre corridor are affected.

“Survey teams are on ground to ensure accuracy. Every affected property has been physically marked and documented in line with due process,” the statement explained.

Compensation Process Underway

The state government confirmed that compensation payments are ongoing and are being handled according to existing laws and verification procedures.

“So far, about ₦800 million has been disbursed to roughly 190 verified claimants, with additional payments scheduled as assessments continue,” the statement noted.

It further clarified that the current round of compensation differs from the payments made nearly two decades ago under Governor Ladoja.

“While the 2005 compensation covered the original 150-metre right of way, the 2017 expansion under Governor Ajimobi added 425 metres on each side — including 75 metres for service corridors and 350 metres for planned development zones,” it said.

Corridor to Be Managed Under PPP Model

Addressing concerns about the future use of the acquired land, the government revealed that the Ibadan Circular Road corridor will be opened to private investors through a PPP framework.

“The aim is to attract logistics hubs, housing estates, service areas, and light industrial clusters that create jobs and increase property values in adjoining communities,” the document stated.

According to the Oyo State Government, the PPP model will ensure that the project not only supports economic development but also promotes transparency and accountability in land use.