Makinde Denies Land Grabbing Allegations, Defends Circular Road Project

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has firmly dismissed allegations of land grabbing linked to the ongoing Circular Road project, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to development and transparency.

During a press briefing in Ibadan on Sunday, Makinde attributed the accusations to misinformation and described them as baseless. “Some people are describing me as a land grabber. I am not a land grabber,” the governor stated. He explained that the project is aimed at enhancing infrastructure and creating Nigeria’s first motorway.

Makinde further alleged that those accusing him of land grabbing are the real culprits. “It is even the land grabbers that are calling me a land grabber. Some people are being investigated right now,” he revealed.

Clarifying misconceptions, Makinde highlighted the uniqueness of the Circular Road project. The 32-kilometer stretch from Tech-U to Badeku will feature only two exit points, which the governor says is integral to its design as a motorway.

“This is not just another road. It’s a corridor that will spur development and elevate Oyo State’s infrastructure standards,” Makinde explained.

Makinde credited his administration’s budget realignment strategy for steady progress in infrastructure development over the past five years.
“In 2019, we realigned the budget, achieving about 48% performance. Despite the pandemic, we hit 60% in 2020, and now we are well over 70%,” he said.

This stability, according to Makinde, has allowed for consistent execution of projects aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.

Addressing the controversial Tax Reform Bill, Makinde disclosed that state governors at the National Economic Council (NEC) unanimously agreed to halt its progress.

“We resolved that the bill should be withdrawn for broader consultation with stakeholders. It’s a national matter that requires alignment,” Makinde clarified, noting that misconceptions had arisen about his involvement in the matter.

Makinde concluded by urging critics to focus on the message of development rather than the messenger. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency and sustainable growth for Oyo State.