When tension thawed at Makinde’s interface with Circular Road stakeholders

By: Aisha Alimi

The atmosphere was tense. Angry-looking residents carrying banners with inscriptions such as “No Corridor”, “We want development but not the Corridor”, and “Don’t render us homeless” formed a defence line facing the section from which they expected the governor to address them. Government officials settled into their seats ahead of his arrival, as journalists milled around, their conversations hushed.

The programme anchor did his best to calm what he perceived as frayed nerves, encouraging the people to be optimistic in their expectations. The governor was on his way, and soon their concerns would be heard.

And then the moment came. Perhaps the first move that showed that Governor Seyi Makinde had read the room and understood the assignment was his decision to drive himself to the meeting ground — a simple act that drew cheers as he stepped out of the vehicle and took his seat.

Six people spoke, representing the residents. They shared their fears and their requests. They wanted the governor to show empathy and compassion. They also distanced themselves from the “akara-frying” protesters who had made the rounds on social media, clarifying that their demand was not to halt development but to reduce the corridor width from 500 metres on each side to 60 metres altogether — just enough to accommodate the road itself. They further requested fair compensation and alignment among government ministries to stop instances of intimidation.

When it was time for him to speak, Governor Makinde took the conversation directly to the people. Leaving his seat, he walked into their midst and addressed them.

Their requests were a tough sell. The governor explained that the entire Circular Road project hinged on the development of a corridor. He noted that the need for a setback was statutory — in some cases up to 50 metres on both sides — hence the requirement for a 150-metre allowance on each side. He then spoke on shifts the government was ready to make assuring the people that he was on their side.

Although the people did not receive the land concessions they sought, they left the meeting with a significant policy shift. The Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Agency would henceforth serve as the single point of engagement between the government and residents on the Circular Road project — a move that ends previous cases of overlapping directives and intimidation by multiple ministries.

The governor also assured that no further demolitions would occur without prior payment of compensation, adding that any previously unfair cases would be reviewed.

By the time the governor was leaving the venue, tensions had eased. He led the Mogajis who had been part of the discussions to the Circular Road itself, stopping at several points along the route to show his deep understanding of the project and his personal commitment to its delivery.

He drove from the Tech-U end of the road — the main entry point — through to the second segment, stopping only when ongoing construction made it impossible to continue. Later that evening, he returned to his residence, met with state officials, and issued final directives.

It was, in every sense, a day that bridged protest and progress. As dusk fell on the day’s events, the tension that had greeted the governor’s arrival had given way to cautious optimism. With clear assurances and a more structured line of engagement, the people left with renewed confidence that their voices had been heard. For many, this meeting marked not just a turning point in the Circular Road project but the beginning of a shared journey towards the investments and opportunities that the corridor will bring to Oyo State.

Ms Alimi sent this from Oniyanrin, Ibadan.