Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has responded to the recent protest over the Ibadan Circular Road project, assuring residents that he will personally visit the affected areas to engage directly with genuine stakeholders rather than those he described as “sponsored protesters.”
In his words, Makinde said, “I will not speak with the protesters anywhere because some people are sponsoring them. What I will do is to come to the area myself and engage with the real people in the area.”
Addressing allegations circulating on social media, the governor stated that he was unperturbed by the negative labels being used against him. “I have also heard all the names you are calling me—a thief, a land grabber, etc.—but I know issues like this come with leadership, and I am not bothered,” he said.
Makinde, however, challenged anyone to hold him accountable if, after leaving office, his name is linked to any land acquired by the government. “If I leave office in 18 months’ time and you see my name on any land acquired by the government, please call me out publicly,” he declared.
The governor also expressed appreciation to citizens who had privately reached out to show support amid the controversy. “I want to thank those who have sent private messages to me to show support. I am also human, and sometimes those abuses get to me emotionally and it pains me, but some of the messages I received have given me strength,” Makinde added.
The Ibadan Circular Road project has in recent weeks sparked public debate, with some residents alleging government encroachment on private lands, while others commend the project as vital to the state’s infrastructure development.