From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
A cross section of residents in Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently compensate individuals whose buildings and business structures were demolished during the dualization of the Olorunsogo–Akanran Road in Ibadan.
The affected residents expressed deep frustration over what they described as the government’s failure to compensate them before their properties were pulled down for the ongoing road expansion project. They recalled that a similar demolition exercise took place about three years ago along the same route, yet no affected property owner received compensation.
Speaking with journalists, one of the affected landlords, Mr. Mutiu Gbadeyanka from Olorunsogo, urged Governor Makinde to intervene by directing the compilation of a comprehensive list of all property owners affected by the dualization for immediate compensation. He lamented that the current economic hardship and the soaring prices of building materials have worsened their plight.
Another resident, Mrs. Felicia Oyeleke, a widow from Sawia area, pleaded with the state government to come to the aid of displaced residents. According to her, life has been extremely difficult since her home was demolished, leaving her and her children without shelter. She appealed to the government to fulfill its obligation by providing compensation without further delay.
A landlord from Olunloyo, who preferred not to be named, also appealed to the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Survey to take swift action by identifying all affected individuals and ensuring they are duly compensated.
Similarly, another resident, Mr. Tajudeen Olanipekun, lamented that his life had taken a downward turn since his building was demolished. He urged the government to uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and the rule of law by compensating all those who lost their properties to the project.
The residents noted that many among them had obtained bank and mortgage loans to either build their houses or finance their businesses, and the demolitions had plunged them into severe financial distress. They urged the Makinde administration to act with compassion and fairness as expected of a government that prides itself on being responsive to citizens’ welfare.
They further reminded the state government of the precedent set during the era of the late Governor Bola Ige in the old Oyo State, who, according to them, ensured full compensation to affected property owners during the construction of the New Gbagi Market in Egbeda Local Government.
The residents therefore called on Governor Makinde to emulate that example by approving immediate compensation for those affected by the dualization of the Olorunsogo–Akanran Road, stressing that such action would reinforce the government’s commitment to fairness, justice, and the wellbeing of its citizens.
