David Oluokun questions Makinde’s ₦6bn Circular Road compensation promise, describing it as a “Greek gift” and recalling residents’ complaints over demolitions.
The Oyo State Coordinator of BSA Voice of Reason Media & RHAIN, Elder David Oluokun, has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over his reported promise to revert to the 75-metre setback along the Ibadan Circular Road and pay more than ₦6 billion in compensation to affected property owners.
Oluokun, in a statement issued on behalf of the group, described the governor’s announcement as a “Greek gift” and questioned its credibility, arguing that the proposed compensation came after months of complaints and protests by residents whose properties were affected by demolitions along the road corridor.
The media coordinator also linked the renewed attention to the issue to the recent visit by Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli to affected communities, where, according to the statement, the senator listened to residents’ concerns and pledged to review the setback and ensure adequate compensation if elected governor of Oyo State.
Oluokun’s full statement is reproduced below.
MAKINDE’S CIRCULAR ROAD GREEK GIFT: TRUST HIM AT YOUR OWN RISK
The announcement by Governor Seyi Makinde during his media chat with Isaac Brown on Fresh FM yesterday that he will revert to 75-metre setback on the Ibadan Circular Road and pay compensation to the tune of over #6 Billion is nothing but an Audio Gift.
It is a Greek Gift that should be rejected by all well-meaning people. Trust Makinde at your own risk.
This is a Governor who cannot be trusted. A Governor who has mastered the art of betraying and breaking promises at will.
For months, residents whose houses, shops, and life investments were demolished along the Circular Road corridor cried, begged, and protested. Makinde ignored them.
He showed no mercy. He showed no empathy. Some of the affected residents, out of trauma, shock and hypertension occasioned by the demolition, have died.
Their blood is on the hands of this heartless administration.
He neglected them when they needed him most. He demolished their homes with impunity, with 500-metre setback against the approved 75-metre.
He rendered thousands homeless, jobless, and hopeless without any compensation.
Now, suddenly, because Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (BSA), the incoming Governor of Oyo State, few days ago visited the affected communities, listened to them with compassion, and made a solemn pact with them to revert to the original 75-metre setback and pay full and adequate compensation when he becomes Governor, Makinde has woken from his slumber and is trying to play to the gallery.
This is political deceit of the highest order.
From reliable sources, the affected residents are ready and satisfied with BSA’s promise and not Makinde’s audio promise.
They know BSA as a man of honour, a man whose word is his bond, a Senator who keeps his promises.
They know Makinde as a man who betrays at will, a man who promises and fails, a man who demolishes first and thinks later.
If Makinde was sincere, why did he wait until people died? Why did he wait until Senator Alli made a pact with the people? Why did he demolish beyond 75-metre in the first place?
This #6 Billion compensation announcement is audio. It will never be paid. It is another scam to deceive the public and divert attention from his monumental failure on the Circular Road project.
A project he has turned into a conduit for land grabbing and racketeering.
The people of Ibadan and Oyo State are wiser now. They cannot be deceived by a Greek Gift from a Governor who neglected them for years.
Oyo State people have made up their mind. They trust Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (BSA) who showed empathy, who made a solemn pact, and who will restore their lands and compensate them adequately.
They do not trust Makinde who only remembers them when election is approaching.Trust Makinde and his Circular Road Greek Gift at your own peril.
Elder David Oluokun
BSA VOICE OF REASON MEDIA & RHAIN
