The Oyo State Government has commenced the payment of compensation to property owners affected by the ongoing expansion and asphaltic reconstruction of the Ojoo/Akinyele Road, reaffirming its commitment to infrastructural development and fairness to residents impacted by the project.

The Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon Williams Akin-funmilayo, disclosed this during an interactive session and payments of compensation to the affected claimants, whose properties were affected by the expansion of the Asphaltic Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of the Ojoo Interchange/IITA, Moniya Junction/Akinyele Interchange, with the spurs to the new Oyo Expressway.

He explained that no development should have negative consequences for members of the public, as the infrastructure development being experienced in the state is aimed at expanding the state’s economy and making it a business hub among other states.

He added that the ongoing road expansion in the area, upon completion, will in no measure boost agribusiness and open doors of opportunities for the people with the siting of the inland dry port, railway station, new town and construction of the Circular road, which will further boost the economic growth of the south-west region as investors can clear their goods at the dry port with ease.

He added that the state Governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde has mandated the ministry to always process the documents of the affected property owners without any delay.

He stated further that this is the establishment of a standing committee on the verification of the affected claimants for compensation payments headed by the Executive Assistant on Security to the Governor, CP Sunday Babatunde Odukoya(Rtd), and as soon as the committee clears the claimants, payments follow.

He further stated that a total of 65 property owners have been identified in this first phase; 22 have been cleared and received their compensation, while others are still in the clearance process by the committee.

He also urged the claimants not to bribe anyone out of the money, as it’s solely for them alone, and any ministry officials who demand from them, such individuals should be reported directly to his office.

He, however, solicited the cooperation of the property and land owners in the area, as various developmental projects are ongoing to see them as benefits for all upon completion.

Speaking on behalf of the claimants, Mr Kayode Adebayo and Mrs Oseni Alimot Tolulope appreciated the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for the gesture, saying the compensation came as a surprise to them.

Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Hakim Ademola Audu, directors and others.