Following months of uncertainty, property owners affected by the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road in Oyo State have erupted in praise as Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration begins disbursing over N264 million in compensation.
On Friday, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, confirmed that the first tranche of payments had kicked off for landowners from Ajota to Alaago axis, with more beneficiaries to follow in phases.
“Today, we are paying about N264 million to the first set of people who were affected… and I want to assure you that others too would soon be called upon. We are doing this in tranches,” Akin-Funmilayo stated at the Ministry of Lands, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
He further emphasized Governor Makinde’s foresight, noting that plans to compensate affected individuals were in place long before any protest occurred.
The Circular Road project, decades in the making, is being hailed as the first true motorway in Nigeria due to its modern design and transformative economic potential.
“The first phase, will soon be completed. This project will bring massive expansion to the economy of Oyo State.” Akin-Funmilayo added.
CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd.), Governor Makinde’s Executive Assistant on Security and Chairman of the monitoring committee, also backed the government’s commitment, praising both the verification process and the patience of the affected residents.
In his words: “The governor deserves a lot of thanks and praise for promising that compensation would be given, and it is happening today. He asked them to exercise patience which has now come to reality.”
Grateful affected residents who could not contain their joy also shared their reactions.
Elder Ayoade Joel said, “Before now, I was totally in distress but today, the government of Seyi Makinde is making me happy… he promised us and he has fulfilled his promise.”
Mrs. Omolara Asiata added: “When I heard about the demolition, I felt very sad… but now, we are grateful that he is giving us comfort. He has restored happiness.”
Mr. Ismail Bada summed it up powerfully: “We’ve had past governments, but Governor Makinde is different. He talked about compensation, and he is fulfilling it now.”
Akin-Funmilayo however maintained that “As the funds begin to roll out and optimism surges among property owners, one thing is clear: Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration is now turning promises into paydays for our people.