The Oyo State Government has announced the payment of over ₦300 million in compensation to owners of buildings and lands affected by the construction of the Circular Road, as well as the building of overhead bridges at the Ajia end of the road and along the Iseyin/Ogbomoso road.
Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, disclosed this on Thursday during another round of compensation payments to affected property owners at the Ministry’s Conference Room.
According to him, the payments fulfil Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise to those impacted by the project.
“The governor shares your feelings and pains, hence the directive for prompt payment of compensation to affected land and building owners,” Akin-Funmilayo said.
He revealed that over ₦300 million has so far been disbursed since the commencement of the exercise, with the first tranche of ₦200 million paid earlier, followed by another ₦100 million to owners of properties affected by the construction of overhead bridges on the Ajia end of the East Wing of the Circular Road and the Iseyin/Ogbomoso road.
“Today, we are making another payment to over 40 building owners on the Circular Road. This is in line with Governor Makinde’s commitment to mitigating the impact of the project on residents,” he added.
The Commissioner stressed that the present administration was working to minimise the number of houses affected by the road project, clarifying that former governors Rasidi Ladoja and the late Abiola Ajimobi had approved 150-metre and 350-metre corridors for the project, respectively.
He explained that the designated corridor would accommodate infrastructure such as hospitals, recreation centres, and other amenities comparable to those in developed countries.
“By the time the project is completed, it will be a source of pride to the people and attract both local and foreign investors to the state,” he noted.
Akin-Funmilayo further stated that the New Town and City Development Agency is in charge of the Circular Road project, while the Ministry of Lands handles the enumeration of houses and payment of compensation to affected owners.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Adeyemi Peter commended the government for its sensitivity to the plight of the people and urged consideration for the elderly in the payment schedule.