Oyo State Acting Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, has confirmed that the ongoing Circular Road project will spur rapid Oyo State development across six key local government areas in the Ibadan metropolis.
The transformative initiative spans Oluyole, Ido, Egbeda, Ona-Ara, Lagelu, and Akinyele, effectively reshaping the economic landscape of the region.
Speaking on Monday after inspecting Phase 2 of the 110-kilometre Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, Lawal explained that the routine site visit aimed to verify both the pace and quality of construction against approved engineering standards. To date, contractors have completed and asphalted approximately 32 kilometres of dual carriageway, fully equipped with operational streetlights and toll gates.
”This is still an ongoing project,” Lawal said. “We are doing a 110km road, and with dualization, that’s 220km. By the grace of God, we will complete it before the exit of this administration.”
Oyo State Development and Land Concerns
The Acting Governor addressed public speculation surrounding land acquisition, emphasizing that the Seyi Makinde administration designed the project strictly to elevate local infrastructure rather than displace residents.
”The whole essence of this inspection is to let our people know that the Circular Road is a mega project this state has not witnessed in a long time, both in old and present Oyo State,” Lawal noted.
People must know that the Circular Road is about the development of Oyo State, not the speculation that Governor Seyi Makinde is taking people’s land. I have come to establish the fact that this project is not about taking anybody’s land. It’s about the development of this city.”
Lawal assured affected landowners that the state government has finalized clear arrangements to disburse compensation to all duly registered property owners. He confirmed that funds would be released swiftly once relevant authorities complete the final cost collations.
”No inch of land acquired through this project will be left uncompensated,” Lawal affirmed. “As long as our people get registered, all lands affected by the project will be compensated.”
Connecting Greater Ibadan Infrastructure Projects
Urging residents to verify facts independently rather than relying on unverified claims, Lawal highlighted how major Ibadan infrastructure projects are expanding urban boundaries. The six local government areas, historically categorized as the “less city,” are now merging into a cohesive “greater city” under the current administration’s urban renewal vision.
”It is important for our people to go round and see the project for themselves. It speaks for itself,” Lawal stated. “This is good for development, investment and social cohesion.”
Contractors on site reassured state officials that the crucial 32-kilometre section at Badeku will be fully finished by the end of September, ready for official commissioning. Engineering teams have also completed critical work on hydraulic bridges, while land clearance continues for subsequent project stages.
”The goal is that before the exit of this administration, we would have completed Phase 2,” Lawal added.
Described as a world-class transit corridor, the completed Circular Road will incorporate modern roadside lay-bys, integrated toll plazas, and a dedicated emergency medical bay. During his outing, the Acting Governor also monitored progress at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, where upgrade works remain on track for November completion.
The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hon. Dahud Shangodoyin, alongside several senior state officials, accompanied the Acting Governor throughout the inspection tour.
