08/06/2026
If you have followed my advocacy closely, you would know that security concerns have been one of my major worries in the excessive acquisition of land through the instrumentality of the state.
As we continue to pray for the safe rescue of the Ogbomosho kidnap victims, I respectfully appeal to the Oyo State Government not to create conditions that could become future security challenges. The painful reality is that actions such as incessant demolitions, forced displacement of residents, delay and the denial of adequate compensation and justice often leave lasting social and economic scars. What has happened in Ori-Ire Local Government today is a consequence of problems that were allowed to fester over the years, and we are now witnessing the effects in Ori-Ire and other parts of the nation.
It is now over a month since the approval of the ₦5.8 billion compensation fund, yet the beneficiaries, despite undergoing verification processes, have not received payment. The question remains: how much longer will residents whose homes were demolished over two years ago continue to wait for compensation?
While we pray for the success of the ongoing rescue mission and continue to support the government in its efforts to restore security, we also make a public appeal to all relevant agencies to expedite the disbursement of the approved compensation. The Ibadan Circular Road matter should not be abandoned to fate, delayed by bureaucracy, or sacrificed on the altar of politics.
Justice delayed is justice denied, and lasting peace can only be achieved when the rights and welfare of affected citizens are given the attention they deserve.
Meanwhile, residents on the corridor remain resilient and hope for the reduction of the acquired landmass to 75meters acquired by Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja
Tosin Ogunshola
