The Oyo State Government has denied allegations that the ongoing Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project in Ibadan is a ploy to acquire land for personal or ulterior motives, maintaining that the initiative is strictly for infrastructural development.
Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, made the clarification during an inspection tour of key legacy projects in the state capital, including the Circular Road and the terminal building at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport. He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Abdul Mojeed Mogbojubola, and the Executive Adviser on New Towns and Cities Development Authority, Mrs Mofoluke Adebiyi.
Speaking at the project site, Lawal described the Circular Road as a major infrastructure milestone designed to enhance economic growth and improve connectivity across Ibadan. He inspected sections spanning the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University/Lagos-Ibadan Expressway axis to the Badeku/Ife-Ibadan Expressway axis, including toll gates and completed asphalt work.
According to him, the project stretches approximately 110 kilometres, translating to about 220 kilometres as a dual carriageway. He disclosed that 32 kilometres have already been asphalted, equivalent to 64 kilometres of dual carriageway, with streetlights and toll gates installed. He added that two contractors, Kremberg and Kopek, are handling different segments of the project.
Lawal emphasised that the scale of the project requires adequate public awareness, noting that it is one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the state’s history. He assured residents that the government has no intention of seizing land unlawfully.
“I have come to establish the fact that this project is not about taking the land of anybody. It is about the development of this city,” he said. “Neither Governor Seyi Makinde nor anyone in this administration is taking people’s land.”
The deputy governor further assured that all affected property owners would receive compensation, provided they comply with the required registration process with the Ministry of Lands.
“No inch of land acquired for this project will be left uncompensated,” Lawal added, urging residents to disregard misinformation and cooperate with the government.
He noted that upon completion, the Circular Road is expected to improve mobility, open up new development corridors, and boost economic activities across Ibadan.
Lawal also inspected the ongoing terminal building at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport as part of the government’s broader effort to assess and accelerate key infrastructure projects in the state.
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