Two Years After Demolition, Circular Road affected Residents Urge Makinde to Pay Compensation -

Residents affected by the Oyo State Government’s Circular Road demolition have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to facilitate the immediate payment of compensation, lamenting that many of them remain homeless and are facing severe hardship two years after their properties were demolished.

Speaking on behalf of the affected residents, Chairman of Zone One, Aba-Otun, Idi-Ose, Mr. Kazeem Bello, popularly known as Fele, said repeated visits to the Oyo State Secretariat in pursuit of their compensation had yielded no results.

Bello explained that several victims have been left without shelter since the demolition, while others have reportedly died or developed serious health complications due to the harsh living conditions they have endured.

He disclosed that he had sought temporary refuge in places of worship but was later asked to vacate, leaving him without a permanent home.

According to him, all affected residents have submitted the required documents to the Governor’s Executive Assistant on Security Matters, retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, for the processing of their compensation.

Bello said the residents were informed that compensation would be paid in phases and were initially assured that disbursement would begin within a week. However, the promised payments have yet to materialise.

He added that officials attributed the delay to the state’s attention being diverted to the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

While expressing confidence in Governor Makinde’s compassion, Bello appealed to the governor to personally intervene and ensure that the long-awaited compensation is paid without further delay.

He also called on the state government to come to the aid of the affected families before political campaigns commence, noting that many victims have exhausted the support previously received from relatives, religious organisations and other well-wishers.

The affected communities include Fasade, Oriigbo, Odeyale, Kopek, Agbena, Aba-Otun, Idi-Ose, Elewe and Akiipe-Oko-Yanrin, all located in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State.