Circular road: A call for empathy

By: Tunji Oladejo

THE Oyo State government’s Circular Road project is hailed as a noble initiative, set to transform Ibadanland into a thriving economic hub while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. This bold and aspirational project is evidence of the state government’s commitment to progress and development, and I applaud the efforts of the government in bringing it to life. As I celebrate this vision for progress, I also take a moment to reflect on the impact of a project like this on the affected communities. The ongoing construction of the Circular Road in Ibadanland, Oyo State, will displace numerous communities, leaving thousands of innocent citizens without homes or livelihoods. As the bulldozers are rolling in, the affected communities are bracing for impact, their hopes and dreams hanging precariously in the balance.  The list of communities slated for relocation is a long and harrowing one, encompassing over 70 villages/areas across various local government councils, including Oluyole, Egbeda, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele and Ido. These communities, once vibrant and thriving, now face an uncertain future, their residents anxiously awaiting the outcome of a process that will irrevocably alter their lives. Many ancestral villages and homes would never exist forever!

The Oyo State government has a moral obligation to ensure that these communities are treated with dignity and respect. Adequate compensation, resettlement and support are not mere niceties but fundamental rights that must be upheld. The government must act with urgency and empathy, recognising the immense sacrifices these communities are being asked to make. As a stakeholder, I urge the Oyo State government to take immediate action to address the concerns of the affected communities. These include: providing fair and timely compensation to all affected individuals and families; ensuring resettlement in safe and suitable locations with access to basic amenities; offering support for livelihood restoration and economic empowerment; and engaging in transparent and inclusive dialogue with community leaders and representatives.

The people of the affected areas deserve to be treated with compassion and understanding. I implore the Oyo State government to prioritise their welfare and well-being and to ensure that the Circular Road project is carried out in a manner that is fair, just and equitable. There are lessons to be learnt from SASA, a resettlement done right. The story of SASA in the Akinyele Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State, is proof of the power of fair and altruistic resettlement. Fifty years ago, SASA was a quiet ancestral community on the outskirts of Ibadan city, home to generations of families. But with the expansion of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the community was displaced and the government took steps to resettle them. What followed was a remarkable example of how resettlement can be done right. The government, with the help of well-meaning individuals, relocated the displaced villagers to a new area, which came to be known as SASA, an acronym for “Structural Adjustment Settlement Area.” The process was not without its challenges, but the government made efforts to enumerate the victims, assess their property and means of livelihood and provide fair compensation. The result is a thriving community that has become an integral part of the Ibadan landscape.

As we address the concerns of the communities affected by the Circular Road project, we can draw inspiration from the SASA story. Fair compensation, resettlement and support for livelihood restoration are essential components of any resettlement process. I urge the Oyo State government to apply the lessons of SASA to this current situation, ensuring that the rights and dignity of the affected communities are respected and protected. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for all, where progress and development go hand-in-hand with compassion and fairness.

•Oladejo, JP, mnipr, who writes from the University of Ibadan, is the Chairman of The Progressive Forum, Ibadan.