Ibadan Circular Road: Makinde Vows to Engage Only Genuine Property Owners, Denies Protests Are Grassroots-Driven
Governor Seyi Makinde has downplayed the ongoing protests surrounding the Ibadan Circular Road project, describing them as politically motivated rather than a genuine outcry from affected residents.
Speaking on Wednesday during the official commissioning of the Ibadan Central Bus Terminal at Iwo Road, the governor said his administration remains open to dialogue — but only with verified property owners directly impacted by the project.
Makinde lamented that certain individuals were attempting to politicize a developmental initiative aimed at driving long-term economic growth and infrastructural advancement in Oyo State.
“Those who are truly affected will not be spending days on the streets. They’ll be at their workplaces, seeking proper engagement,” Makinde stated. “We will not give attention to those being sponsored to stall progress. Genuine property owners with valid documents and legitimate claims will be addressed directly.”
The governor also reacted to a surge of criticism targeted at him since the protests began, noting that name-calling and public attacks come with the territory of leadership.
“I’ve heard the names and insults, but they don’t move me. Leadership demands courage and focus. When you’re doing the right thing, you must be prepared for opposition,” he added.
Makinde reaffirmed that the 113-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road remains a signature component of his administration’s blueprint for sustainable growth and urban expansion. When completed, he said, the project will decongest traffic, open new economic corridors, and attract major investments to the state.
In a bid to promote transparency, the governor announced that beginning next week, he would personally lead an inspection tour of the project sites alongside Ibadan Mogajis, traditional rulers, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), and other stakeholders.
“This project is more than just a road; it represents the future of Ibadan,” Makinde emphasized. “We’ll take respected community leaders and traditional institutions to the site so they can see firsthand the progress being made. That’s the level of accountability our people deserve.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was present at the event, urged Governor Makinde to remain resolute in the face of criticism, noting that public scrutiny is inevitable for any leader driving real progress.
Obasanjo commended the governor’s courage and expressed pride in his achievements, particularly in the area of infrastructure development across Oyo State.