Olubadan Backs Fair Compensation for Landowners as Makinde’s Committee Seeks Counsel on Circular Road Impasse

In a move to resolve the lingering disputes surrounding the ambitious 110-kilometer Ibadan Circular Road project, a high-powered committee appointed by Governor Seyi Makinde today sought the guidance and blessing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The Circular Road Stakeholders Engagement Committee, comprising prominent Ibadan Mogajis (family heads), chairmen of six affected local governments, and top state officials, was warmly received at the Oke Aremo Palace by the monarch, who was flanked by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, and other senior palace chiefs.

The committee’s Chairman, Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem (Mogaji Adanla), explained that their mission stemmed directly from Governor Makinde’s November 26, 2025, promise to protesters. The Governor had pledged to form a broad-based committee to address grievances over the road’s proposed corridor. Mogaji Adanla praised Oba Ladoja’s original vision for the project, noting it was the monarch who, during his tenure as state governor, initiated the land acquisition process.

“The committee was inaugurated to further engage the protesters, look into their grievances, and advise Government based on its findings,” Mogaji Adanla stated.

Providing a detailed update, the Executive Adviser to the Governor on New Towns and Cities Development, Mrs. Mofoluke Adebiyi, outlined the committee’s hands-on approach. She reported that after an inaugural meeting with representatives of the affected communities, the committee had embarked on on-the-spot assessment visits.

“So far, we have visited Oluyole, Ona Ara, Akinyele, and Ido Local Government Areas, directly interfacing with the people and noting community-specific concerns in relation to government policy,” Mrs. Adebiyi said. She added that visits to the remaining two LGAs—Egbeda and Lagelu—were scheduled for later the same day.

In his response, Oba Ladoja provided crucial historical context, confirming that his administration originally acquired a 150-meter corridor (75 meters on each side) for the road and paid compensation to landowners. He revealed he had been previously briefed by Governor Makinde about the contentious expansion of the corridor to 500 meters by the immediate past administration—the core issue fueling the current protests.

“I advised the Governor on exploring a win-win solution to the issue,” the monarch disclosed.

While emphatically endorsing the Circular Road’s immense potential for Ibadan’s socio-economic development, Oba Ladoja issued a strong plea for justice for affected citizens.

“I strongly canvass that those whose properties would be impacted by its implementation should be adequately and promptly compensated in tandem with the prevailing economic realities,” the Olubadan asserted.

He also sounded a note of caution about land speculators operating along the road’s axis, urging the Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYNTCDA) and other agencies to protect the public from fraudulent land deals.

Looking beyond the immediate crisis, Oba Ladoja proposed transformative ideas to maximize the project’s long-term benefits. He advised the state government to consider integrating a rail system parallel to the Circular Road to serve future industrial hubs and installing weighbridges to protect the road’s integrity and ensure it lasts its design lifespan.

The committee’s Vice-Chairman and Egbeda LGA Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda, saluted the Olubadan’s enduring passion for Ibadan’s development. He assured the monarch that his counsel would be central to the committee’s final recommendations.

The high-level meeting was attended by other committee members, including Lagelu LGA Chairman Hon. Kamorudeen Mudashiru, several Mogajis, and representatives from key ministries including Lands, Works, Justice, and Security.

Immediately after the palace visit, the committee proceeded to Egbeda and Lagelu LGAs for its third batch of surveillance visits, engaging communities at Fasade, Ayede, Ejioku, Idi-Igba/Aba Oyo, and Eni-Oosa.