Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared N4.6 billion in compensation for property owners affected by the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project, assuring them that payment would commence on Saturday.
The governor also assured residents and property owners within the 75-metre setback in built-up areas that the ongoing road project would not affect their properties.
He urged them to continue with their normal lives and businesses without fear of displacement and shun any act or conduct capable of creating breach of public peace.
Makinde gave the assurances on Friday while addressing affected property owners at the Odeyale axis of the Ibadan Circular Road, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing their concerns and resolving the controversy surrounding the project.
The governor said the money was ready for disbursement but he personally wanted to meet them before they start to receive their money.
“N4.6 billion naira is ready for disbursement in compensation but I just want to personally meet you before you start to receive your money.
“Please, when you receive your money, endeavor to tell everyone that you have received it,” Makinde said.
He urged the property owners to remain calm, assuring them that the government was mindful of their interests and would not deliberately subject them to hardship in the course of executing the infrastructure project.
Speaking on behalf of the affected property owners, the Chairmen of Segment One and two of the affected areas, Mr Jimoh Ahmed, and Mr Kayode Oyejobi, in separate remarks, expressed profound appreciation to the governor for what they described as a noble gesture.
They said the governor’s intervention had addressed their grievances and brought an end to the agitation and anger that had characterised their relationship with the government over the project.
The duo also pledged to lead their members to markets and media organisations to publicise the governor’s intervention, saying they were willing to tell the world about what they described as the government’s positive response to their concerns.
Earlier, before the governor’s arrival, some of the affected property owners waiting to receive him at the Odeyale area had alleged that paid political elements had infiltrated their ranks to create disaffection between them and the state government.
The situation reportedly became dramatic when a young man was spotted attempting to persuade others not to receive the governor warmly when he arrived to address them.
The development generated reactions among some of the property owners, with a number of them expressing disbelief over the attempt to sow discord within their ranks.
Some subsequently called on the government to take necessary action against individuals allegedly working to create division and undermine the relationship between the affected communities and the state government.