Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to pursuing development that is fair, humane and inclusive, declaring that no amount of personal insults or death wishes from critics will derail the ongoing 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road Project.
Makinde made the remarks on Monday while presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill to members of the Oyo State House of Assembly. He said that, beginning Wednesday, he would embark on direct engagements with residents affected by the Circular Road acquisition, starting with communities in the Ologuneru axis. The visits, he explained, will enable him to listen to concerns, assess realities on the ground, and explore all viable options — including resettlement and adequate compensation.
Addressing the Assembly, Makinde disclosed that he remains unfazed by the harsh criticisms and death wishes circulating in some quarters since the state renewed implementation of the Circular Road project.
“When I took up this job, I envisaged situations like this. You didn’t beg me to become governor; I came forward because I wanted to contribute something meaningful to Oyo State,” he said.
“I prepared for both the praises and the insults. They are part of leadership.”
Makinde stressed that his administration had not initiated fresh land acquisition for the project. Rather, he revealed that he had been compelled to release archival documents showing that the immediate past government had acquired 500 metres to the right and 500 metres to the left of the Circular Road corridor, with the decision publicly advertised in a national daily on November 24, 2018.
“On November 24th, 2018, was I the governor then?” he asked pointedly, while accusing certain political actors of attempting to weaponize the issue to gain popularity.
The governor reiterated that the Circular Road — a signature infrastructure project designed to unlock the state’s economic potential — is not merely a road construction initiative but a catalyst for industrialisation, investment attraction and long-term economic expansion.
“The Circular Road is not just about connectivity; it’s about equity, growth and shared prosperity,” Makinde said, warning politicians fueling public anxiety to desist, as “the people of Oyo State are wiser.”
He added that the project aligns with the state’s drive to transition from a “consumptive economy” to a productive one, emphasizing that the completion of the road will open corridors for industrial parks, solid mineral development, and large-scale commercial activity.
The governor assured residents that his government’s approach to resolving disputes around the project would be rooted in empathy and respect.
“We acknowledge that progress must be people-centered. I will honour my promise to visit, listen and explore all possibilities — including resettlement and adequate compensation,” he said. “In over six years, we have not failed you, and we will not fail you now.”
Makinde noted that he has already begun preparations for a seamless transition in 2027, stressing that while he can guide and support emerging leaders, “the people of Oyo State will be the ultimate deciders.”
The governor used the occasion to highlight his administration’s emphasis on institutional reforms. He listed the establishment of bodies such as the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) and the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority as examples of efforts to ensure governance becomes system-driven rather than personality-based.
“In Oyo State, we don’t want strong men; we want strong institutions,” he said. “Our legacy will not be measured by buildings alone but by the values that sustain progress long after we have left.”
Makinde urged residents to continue supporting the government’s development agenda, stating that meaningful progress requires collective resolve. He emphasized that the Circular Road project is central to Oyo State’s economic ambitions, and not a political tool as some critics suggest.
“We are asking our people to join hands with us because we know Oyo State can stand on its own,” he said. “Together, we will continue to grow, innovate and prosper.”
The governor’s engagement with affected communities is expected to begin this Wednesday, marking a new chapter in the state’s efforts to balance infrastructural development with social justice and public trust.
