By Feyisetan Hamzat | Ibadan | Benny News Hub
The President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, has appealed for calm and mutual understanding between residents affected by the ongoing Circular Road expansion and the Oyo State Government.
In a release personally issued by him and signed on behalf of the Council, Chief Ajewole urged all parties to step back from tension and embrace constructive dialogue, noting that the CCII remains committed to fairness, justice, and the protection of Ibadan people's interests.
Ajewole acknowledged the anxiety of residents whose structures fall within the newly expanded corridor. He emphasized that although development is necessary, it must not compromise transparency or the welfare of citizens.
“We feel the pains of our people and understand their fears,” he stated. “But we must equally recognize that meaningful development often comes with challenges. What matters most is that no resident should be subjected to injustice, and every step must be guided by fairness and compassion.”
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🔙 Flashback: How the Circular Road Crisis Evolved
The Circular Road project began under former Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, now the Olubadan of Ibadanland, with an initial 150-metre setback—75 metres on each side.
The setback was later expanded to 425 metres during the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Under the current administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, it was further extended to 500 metres, a move that triggered persistent agitation across communities in Akinyele, Egbeda, Lagelu, Oluyole, Ona-Ara, and Ido Local Governments.
During a recent infrastructure commissioning event, Governor Makinde remarked that he would not entertain protesters at the Secretariat or elsewhere, alleging that political influences were driving the unrest. However, he promised to visit the affected areas alongside stakeholders—including CCII—to address genuine residents and resolve outstanding issues.
Following public outcry, the government announced that it would reduce the setback only in already developed areas, while maintaining the 500-metre corridor in undeveloped stretches. Compensation, according to the governor, would be provided wherever necessary.
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🏛️ Ajewole’s Position and CCII’s Call
Chief Ajewole urged residents to remain peaceful while the government finalises its review, assuring that CCII will stand as a neutral mediator to ensure justice.
He also commended Governor Makinde for showing willingness to compensate affected individuals and for demonstrating a listening disposition.
However, he advised the government to adopt more sensitive strategies for future projects, emphasizing that public discomfort can be mitigated through early communication and community engagement.
“There is no development without some level of inconvenience,” Ajewole noted. “But inconvenience must never translate to injustice. We urge our people to stay calm and allow the government to implement the measures already announced, and we urge the government to be swift, fair, and humane in resolving the concerns raised.”
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Filed by: Feyisetan Hamzat, Ibadan
For: Benny News Hub
