A gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State during the last governorship primary, Engr Oyedele Hakeem Alao, has criticized Governor Seyi Makinde for not reversing his decision on the 500-meter setback on the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road.
Alao in a statement by his Medi Office questioned how the initial 75-meter setback approved under former Governor Rashidi Ladoja and later increased to 150-meter under late Governor Isiaka Ajimobi suddenly became a 500-meter setback on both sides.
“Ibadan Circular Road is undoubtedly a good project that must be supported by all, but the reason for extending the previously approved 75-meter and later 150-meter is surprising to many of us.
“Unfortunately, our Governor has not addressed the motive for this extension despite public outcry. Rather, our Governor has watched with delight how our fathers and mothers with grey hair are dying of heart attacks resulting from the demolition of their properties.”
Alao added that the 500-meter setback will affect the homes and livelihoods of over 300,000 residents across six local government areas, including Oluyole, Ona Ara, and Egbeda.
According to him, “Many residents whose properties have been demolished have reportedly suffered heart attacks leading to untimely deaths, while others have experienced strokes due to the insensitive actions of the Governor. I watched with tears rolling my eyes when I saw a video of an elderly woman almost in fatal condition, as part of the peaceful protesters begging our Governor to show mercy and rescind his decision on the demolition of their properties. Yet, our Governor is determined to pursue his 500-meter setback in the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project.
“This brings us to the question of leadership. What kind of a leader watches his people suffer, especially those who have used their hard-earned resources to build their houses only to wake up one day to the sound of bulldozers ready to demolish their buildings, while other options have not been considered. Where is humanity in Governor Makinde’s action?”
While condemning the mass demolitions without adequate compensation or warning, Alao reminded the Governor that those affected were part of the electorates who voted for him in his second term, asking, ‘What kind of a man rewards good with evil?
Given the public outcry regarding the 500-meter setback on the ongoing Ibadan Circular road, a Governor who once enjoyed support from these people should reconsider his decision unless he has ulterior motives. Such actions that have already resulted in deaths among residents of affected communities must be reconsidered.
“Profound cruelty and lack of compassion to people, especially old and retirees must be condemned by all and sundry. The governor must rescind his decision on the 500-meter setback in the ongoing Ibadan Circular road project.
We are aware of the governor’s pernicious agenda to acquire properties under the guise of government acquisition, but the extension of the setback from 150-meter to 500-meter on both sides which gave rise to taking over of people’s lifelong sweat, to me isn’t just heartless and ruthless but insanity and cruelty in its crudest form,” he said.
