In recent days, a video has been circulating across social platforms showing the heartbreaking reactions of residents affected by the ongoing works on the Ibadan Circular Road. The sorrow etched on their faces is not merely emotional; it is a portrait of loss. These are ordinary citizens whose only “offense” is that their long-earned homes happen to fall near the designated route of development. Their life investments now lie at the mercy of demolition crews.
Your Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, publicly available information indicates that the original setback approved for the Circular Road corridor was 75 meters. However, under the current directive, this setback has reportedly been expanded to 500 meters on both sides. This substantial extension has led to large-scale demolition of houses, farmlands, and livelihoods- allegedly without corresponding compensation or humane resettlement support for the affected residents.
Your Excellency, you have consistently identified yourself as a leader aligned with the downtrodden, a governor who listens, understands, and stands with the masses. Yet, this unfolding reality is pushing countless families, retirees, widows, artisans, and landlords into homelessness, heartbreak, and deep financial hardship. There are reports of some affected residents experiencing severe emotional distress, including strokes, while others are plunged into profound grief. What is being bulldozed is not merely concrete; it is years of savings, memories built brick by brick, and dreams nurtured over time.
Even more troubling are reports suggesting that in some of these demolished areas, private developers have already begun measuring the reclaimed lands, allegedly intending to advertise and sell them. If accurate, this raises serious questions about the fairness, transparency, and integrity of the process.
Leadership is remembered not only for the infrastructure it creates but also for the dignity it preserves, the justice it upholds, and the compassion it demonstrates when power meets vulnerability. Every decision made at the table of governance becomes part of history. What story will this one tell?
We respectfully and sincerely appeal that this policy be reconsidered.
We urge your administration to restore the setback to 75 meters, as initially approved. Where expansion is deemed absolutely necessary, we call for adequate, transparent, and fair compensation, alongside proper relocation support conducted with dignity.
True leadership shines brightest when it listens to the cries of its people.
May wisdom, fairness, and compassion guide every step taken.
