Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has maintained that the government will retain a 500-metre setback on both sides of the Ibadan Circular Road in underdeveloped areas, while limiting the setback to 75 metres on each side in built-up communities.
The governor also promised to pay ₦6 billion in compensation to property owners affected by the ongoing road project by the end of October 2026.
Makinde made the commitments during a media chat on Fresh FM 105.9 in Ibadan, where he addressed concerns over the controversial land acquisition arrangements for the 110-kilometre Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project.
According to the governor, his administration will maintain the specified distances for developed and underdeveloped areas, indicating that it does not intend to abandon the existing framework for the project.
“The government will maintain 75 metres on both sides of built-up areas and 500 metres on both sides of underdeveloped areas,” Makinde said.
His position comes amid continuing concerns among residents and property owners along the road corridor over the extent of land affected by the project and the potential consequences for homes, businesses and livelihoods.
The dispute over the setback requirements has attracted public attention since residents from communities along the corridor protested the proposed 500-metre acquisition on both sides of the road in 2024.
Affected residents had urged the state government to retain the original 75-metre setback on each side, arguing that a wider corridor could expose more properties to demolition and increase the number of people facing displacement.
In September 2024, Makinde announced that the government would limit the setback to 75 metres on each side in densely populated areas, while explaining that the 500-metre acquisition had been gazetted under the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2018.
The latest clarification maintains a distinction between built-up communities and underdeveloped areas, with the government retaining the wider setback for the latter.
₦6bn compensation pledge
Beyond the setback controversy, Makinde assured affected property owners that the state government would pay ₦6 billion in compensation by October 31, 2026.
“We will pay ₦6 billion in compensation to affected property owners by the end of October 2026,” he said.
The commitment is expected to be closely watched by property owners seeking financial redress over properties affected by the infrastructure project.
However, details of the proposed disbursement, including the number of beneficiaries, eligibility requirements and payment schedule, were not provided in the account of the governor’s remarks.
