Road dualization: 235 people get compensation in Oyo

From Seyi Ojelade, Ibadan

Governor Abiola Ajimobi, of Oyo state, yesterday distributed cheques to the first batch of 235 people whose properties were affected by the dualization of roads in Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Oyo and Iseyin.

The governor, at the presentation ceremony held in Ibadan, said that the payment of the compensation was an attestation of his administration’s determination to ensure that the affected people were not denied their rights.

Governor Ajimobi, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Isaac Omodewu, reiterated his administration’s determination to ameliorate the pains caused by the expansion of roads under the urban renewal programme being embarked upon by his government.

He said that all genuine claimants with documents that had been duly verified would receive their compensation in subsequent phases.

“The state government considered it necessary to pay compensation to the citizens of the state who, through their votes, made the existence of our administration possible.

“Let me note that our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC) has set out a record that was never surpassed by any past administration. Without mincing words, our expansionist programme has given birth in several forms to infrastructural development evident across the state,’’ Governor Ajimobi said.

In his address read by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Mr. Omodewu said that compensation had been paid to property owners on the land acquired on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Oluyole local government area and on Ibadan-Oyo Expressway in Akinyele local government area of the state.

Some of the beneficiaries including Madam Rafatu Odunola, Mr. Adeyinka Oluwafemi and Bilyaminu Kareem commended Governor Ajimobi for fulfilling his promise to pay compensation to the property owners.