Oyo Begins Compensation Payment To Residents Affected By Ibadan Road Expansion

The Oyo State Government has commenced payment of compensation to residents and property owners affected by the ongoing expansion and asphaltic reconstruction of the Ojoo/Akinyele road in Ibadan.

The state government said the compensation exercise forms part of efforts to ensure fairness and protect residents impacted by major infrastructure projects across the state.

Speaking during an interactive session with affected property owners, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, said the initiative followed Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval to ensure no resident suffers unfair treatment during development projects.

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the road expansion project is expected to boost economic activities and strengthen Oyo State’s position as a commercial hub in the South-West.

The government noted that the project would improve agricultural business opportunities and support key developments such as the proposed inland dry port, railway station, new town project and the Circular Road initiative.

“No development should bring negative consequences to members of the public,” the statement read, adding that the infrastructure projects are designed to stimulate economic growth and attract investors to the region.

The government also disclosed that a standing committee on verification and compensation has been inaugurated to oversee the process. The committee is headed by the Executive Assistant on Security to the Governor, retired CP Sunday Babatunde Odukoya.

According to officials, 65 property owners were identified in the first phase of the compensation exercise, while 22 beneficiaries have already been verified and paid. Others are still undergoing documentation and verification processes.

The state government further warned claimants against offering bribes to officials, urging anyone asked for gratification to report directly to the commissioner’s office.

Some beneficiaries, including Kayode Adebayo and Alimot Tolulope, expressed gratitude to the government, describing the compensation payment as unexpected and commendable.

Officials present during the exercise included the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hakim Audu, alongside other directors.