…Says development must not come at the expense of residents’ livelihoods, property rights
Oyo State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, FCA, has proposed a win-win approach to resolving the controversy surrounding the Circular Road corridor, insisting that infrastructure development must not come at the expense of residents’ rights, livelihoods and dignity.
Adegoke’s position was contained in a statement titled “Understanding Circular Road Corridor and Olooye Adegoke’s Win-Win Proposal,” issued by the Oyo State ADC Publicity Secretary, Chief Rotimi Johnson Ojasope. He maintained that the success of the road project should be measured not only by its completion but also by how fairly the government treats families, traders, property owners and investors affected by the development.
The ADC candidate, according to the statement, has already held meetings with two different stakeholder groups among those affected by the corridor dispute. However, the groups reportedly have differing expectations regarding the way forward, a situation that Adegoke believes requires further consultation, careful consideration and a transparent resolution process rather than sweeping promises.
Describing the situation as one requiring responsible leadership, Adegoke argued that the government could fulfil its infrastructure obligations while ensuring that affected residents receive fair treatment. He stressed that disagreements among stakeholders should not diminish their grievances or become an excuse for delaying appropriate remedies.
Drawing on his experience as a real estate investor, the governorship candidate noted that property disputes often involve land documents, boundaries, acquisition records, approvals, financial interests and pending litigation. He therefore advocated a thorough examination of individual cases before specific settlements or compensation packages are promised.
Adegoke’s proposed approach includes bringing affected residents, landowners, developers and relevant government agencies together to examine available records, clarify the disputed corridor and explore mediation, negotiated settlements and, where appropriate and legally available, arbitration. He also called for due regard to existing court proceedings in cases already before the judiciary.
On possible remedies, the ADC candidate proposed that planning adjustments should be considered where properties can reasonably be protected, while verified losses should be addressed through transparent compensation arrangements. Where relocation or resettlement becomes necessary, he advocated suitable alternatives, clear implementation timelines and enforceable agreements that protect the interests of affected people alongside the public interest in completing the project.
The statement further linked the proposal to the ADC’s SOLUTIONS agenda, under which the letter “U” represents Urban Renewal. Adegoke maintained that meaningful urban renewal should provide viable alternatives before demanding relocation, adding that affected residents must understand available options, participate in negotiations and have the opportunity to challenge unfair property assessments. He called for a resolution that balances timely infrastructure delivery with justice, accountability and respect for human dignity.
Ojasope said the Circular Road project should ultimately serve the people, including those living and conducting business along its route. He maintained that Adegoke’s proposal seeks a settlement that protects legitimate interests, provides practical relief and enables the project to progress, stressing that the true measure of development must include both the kilometres of road completed and the welfare of the families affected.
