Power Minister Adelabu Offers Financial Relief to Victims of Ibadan Circular Road Project
…Says no resident should lose their life in the name of development.
Favour Rotimi
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has offered financial relief to residents whose properties were affected by the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project initiated by the Oyo State Government, pledging ₦25 million as the first phase of his humanitarian intervention.
Adelabu, who is also a 2027 governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the gesture was aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by families displaced by the recent demolition exercise, which has sparked widespread public outcry.
Speaking during an interactive session with affected residents in Ibadan, the Minister emphasized that his intervention was driven purely by compassion and not politics.
“We are one family in Ibadan. I am a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Oyo State. This is not about politics; it is about restoring hope and easing the pain of our people,” Adelabu said.
The Minister announced a donation of ₦25 million to help affected residents secure temporary accommodation.
“For this initial phase, I am donating ₦25 million so that some of you can rent temporary apartments. I believe this will provide immediate relief while longer-term solutions are explored,” he added.
Adelabu expressed deep sympathy for those who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the demolition exercise, stressing that development should never come at the expense of human lives.
“Yes, we all desire development that brings progress to Ibadan and Oyo State. However, it must not come at the expense of human lives and welfare. Every development project should have a human face. Progress that disregards people’s well-being ceases to be development,” he said.
He also cautioned against arbitrary demolitions that displace families and render them homeless, urging authorities to pursue development with compassion and due process.
“Government exists to serve the people, not to inflict pain on them. A road corridor can be established, but it must be done responsibly and with empathy,” Adelabu stated.
Earlier, the Baale of Asanke Village, Chief Sule Asanke, appealed to the Minister to intervene by engaging Governor Seyi Makinde to halt the demolitions, alleging that parts of the reclaimed lands were being sold to private individuals.
“We are deeply hurt that our land has been taken from us, allegedly to be sold to private individuals,” the community leader lamented.
One of the affected residents, Mrs. Modinat, tearfully recounted how her home was demolished and begged the Minister to intercede.
In response, Adelabu pledged to explore all available channels—both at the federal and state levels—to ensure justice and fairness. He also promised to engage Governor Makinde, whom he described as “a friend and brother,” to seek a compassionate and balanced resolution.
The Minister urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding as they seek redress.
“Do not take the law into your hands. All demonstrations must be peaceful and within the bounds of the law. While government authority is supreme, it must always operate with empathy and respect for human dignity,” he concluded.
The Ibadan Circular Road, a 113-kilometre infrastructure project aimed at decongesting traffic and boosting the state’s economic development, has remained a subject of controversy following the demolition of properties within the 500-metre buffer zone on both sides of the project corridor.
