The Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED) has appealed to residents affected by the 500-metre Circular Road corridor to embrace dialogue and avoid actions that may hinder the progress of the state’s flagship infrastructure project.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by the agency’s Director-General, Dr Morohunkola Thomas, in Ibadan.
Describing the Circular Road as a transformative project, Thomas said it was designed to ease traffic congestion, expand economic opportunities, improve transportation, and enhance the overall quality of life across Oyo State.
“The Circular Road is a major infrastructure project which aims to ease traffic congestion, open new opportunities, improve transportation, and enhance the overall quality of life of people across the state,” he stated.
His remarks come amid ongoing protests by residents affected by demolition exercises along the corridor. In recent days, the demonstrations have disrupted traffic, leaving motorists and commuters stranded.
Last week, Governor Seyi Makinde reiterated that the Rashidi Ladoja 110-kilometre Circular Road is not just a road construction effort but an economic backbone intended to catalyse long-term development.
Thomas acknowledged that displacement and demolition were painful experiences for affected residents, but noted that difficult decisions were sometimes necessary for development to proceed.
He urged the protesters to avoid escalation, cautioning them not to allow political actors to exploit the situation for personal gain.
“All residents of the state will soon feel the long-term socio-economic development of the Circular Road,” he said. He further appealed to affected individuals “to embrace dialogue and not allow politicians to infiltrate their ranks.”
The state government, Thomas added, remained committed to engaging with the people to ensure that concerns are addressed and that the project’s benefits are widely shared.
