Ekiti Govt Seeks Communities’ Cooperation On Ring Road Expansion, Promises Compensation
The Ekiti State Government has appealed to communities and landowners affected by the ongoing ring road construction to release their lands for the project, assuring them of adequate compensation.
The appeal follows disagreements between the government and some affected communities over its proposed acquisition of 200 metres of land on both sides of the ring road for further development.
The affected communities include Afao Ekiti, Aare Ekiti, Araromi Obu, Igbogun and Iworoko Ekiti.
The Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, made the appeal during a peace meeting with representatives of the affected communities in Ado Ekiti, according to a statement by the Director of Press in her office, Tope Ariyo.
Afuye assured the landowners that the government would not forcefully acquire their properties, adding that those whose lands were affected would receive appropriate compensation.
She explained that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration was committed to dialogue and consultation in resolving issues affecting residents, particularly those involving land acquisition and community development.
The deputy governor said the proposed acquisition was intended to facilitate the development of the ring road corridor through the provision of additional infrastructure that would transform the area into a major development hub.
She, however, cautioned the affected communities against taking the government’s willingness to engage them for granted or resorting to self-help, urging them to cooperate with the administration for the successful execution of the project.
Afuye also dismissed concerns about widespread demolition of properties around the project area, promising to personally inspect the location alongside relevant government agencies to ensure that any necessary demolition was minimised when construction resumed.
She expressed optimism that continued engagement would produce a mutually acceptable resolution between the government and the affected landowners.
Also speaking, the member representing Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Akeem Jamiu, appealed to the communities to embrace the development initiative.
Jamiu noted that the establishment of an airport in the area had already brought considerable benefits to residents, urging the landowners to adopt a collaborative approach towards resolving the disagreement.
Earlier, the Alare of Aare Kingdom, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, and the Regent of Iworoko Ekiti, Mrs Adenike Ogundola, who spoke on behalf of the affected communities, expressed concerns that the proposed acquisition of an additional 200 metres on both sides of the road could limit the future expansion and growth of their communities.
They called on the state government to review the proposed land acquisition and reach a concrete agreement with affected property owners before proceeding.
In his remarks, the Ekiti State Surveyor-General, Rufus Gbadura, explained that the proposed acquisition was designed to accommodate major infrastructure, including five-star hotels, industries and other social amenities.
He urged the communities to support the initiative, assuring them that the proposed developments would create significant economic and social benefits for residents.
