The All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Oyo State for the 2027 general elections, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli has shared his honest position on how to handle the controversies surrounding the 110km Ibadan Circular Road.
Senator Alli assured all and sundry that within 48 hours when Oyo State people give him the mandate to lead, he will set up Committee for holistic assesment of the project considering controversies surrounding the project from land-grabbing, unfair compensation of property owners among others.
Senator Alli who recently held “A Day with BSA” with journalists under the umbrella of NUJ, Oyo State chapter, said the Committee on Circular Road shall advise government appropriately on the way forward.
He assured property owners around the Circular Road that they will get succour and his government will be fair and just on everyone. Senator Alli said resolving the proposed set-back of the ongoing Circular Road required solemn and honest assessment.
“I am aware that a lot of residents of the Ibadan Circular Road have lost their properties, ranging from residential buildings, schools, shops, churches, mosques, undeveloped plots of land and most frightening, many have lost their lives.
“I am of the firm view that our state must be developed. The Circular Road project is not a bad idea, in fact, it’s a welcome development and it’s long overdue. However, no development is worth the life of one citizen of Oyo State. A project of such magnitude will definitely affect certain properties, but, a decision must be made to protect the citizens.
“I know the extent to which things have gone bad in those areas but I’m trying to be modest in my opinion about those issues for now because I am not ready to play politics with such a very sensitive issue. Like I said, those who require help will get it and those who require justice will get it.
“Residents of Oyo state, including those of the Circular Road, have to be alive first, before they could enjoy the benefits provided by the development brought to the area by the Government and we will ensure that by the Grace of Allah. Dead and bed-ridden citizens cannot enjoy the benefits of beautiful road infrastructures.”
