Makinde Pledges Fair Plan For Circular Road Residents

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday restated his commitment to development that protects people’s rights as he addressed concerns over the ongoing 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project.

He spoke while presenting the 2026 budget proposal at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan.

Residents affected by the project have held peaceful protests in recent months across Ibadan, slowing traffic and drawing attention to their fears of displacement. Makinde said he will meet them from Wednesday to hear their concerns directly and consider options such as compensation and resettlement.

He explained that his administration did not initiate land acquisition for the project, pointing to archived documents showing that the previous government had secured 500 metres on both sides of the road. He said this history created misunderstandings but assured residents that the state will keep engaging them openly.

Makinde said he would begin his visits at Ologuneru, noting that the Circular Road is central to improving connectivity, boosting economic growth and expanding opportunities across the state. He urged residents not to allow politics to overshadow the broader value of the project.

He added that his government has spent the past six years building institutions that can support long-term governance, including new anti-corruption and rule-of-law enforcement bodies. He said the administration remains focused on economic expansion through productivity, industrial development and solid mineral exploration.

Makinde told lawmakers that the state will continue pushing for a future driven by strong systems, not strong personalities, and asked residents to stay engaged as the project moves forward. He said the goal is to ensure Oyo’s development remains inclusive, stable and beneficial long after his tenure ends.