Ekiti State Government has appealed to communities whose lands are affected by the ongoing construction of the Ekiti Ring Road to release their lands for the expansion of the project in the interest of the state’s development.
Some communities and landowners, including Afao-Ekiti, Aare-Ekiti, Araromi Obo, Igbogun and Iworoko-Ekiti, among others, have been at loggerheads with the state government over the proposed acquisition of 200 metres on both sides of the ring road for developmental purposes.
The Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, made the appeal in Ado-Ekiti while presiding over a peace parley with leaders of the affected communities.
According to a statement by the Director of Press, Office of the Deputy Governor, Tope Ariyo, Afuye assured the communities that government would not forcefully acquire their lands, noting that adequate compensation would be paid to all affected landowners.
She said the Oyebanji-led administration is committed to the rapid development of the state and prefers consultation and advocacy to coercion in handling sensitive issues involving communities.
“Governor Oyebanji is keenly interested in the drastic development of Ekiti State. The land we intend to acquire is to develop the ring road axis by bringing other landmark infrastructure to the area, thereby opening it up as a new hub of development,” she said.
“This government believes in advocacy and consultation. You voted us into power and we shall continually consider your interests in policy execution. Let us join hands to develop this state. We have no other state to call ours. No administration in this state has paid compensation to property owners like the Oyebanji-led administration. I can assure you that your sacrifice will not be in vain as you shall be well compensated,” she assured.
The Deputy Governor allayed fears of massive demolition of properties along the corridor, disclosing that she would personally embark on an on-the-spot assessment of the area alongside relevant government agencies to ensure minimal demolition when further works commence.
She expressed optimism that through continued dialogue and consultation, both government and the affected communities would shift grounds to achieve the developmental objective for the benefit of all.
In his remarks, the member representing Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Jamiu, urged the affected landowners to embrace development, noting that the airport recently established in the axis by the state government has brought immense benefits to the people of the area.
He appealed to the communities to seek a mutually beneficial solution to the disagreement, stressing that government would not embark on any project that would undermine their wellbeing.
Earlier, the Alare of Aare-Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, and the Regent of Iworoko-Ekiti, Mrs Adenike Ogundola, who spoke on behalf of the communities, expressed fears that the proposed acquisition of 200 metres on both sides of the road could stifle their communities and hinder future expansion.
They appealed to the government to revisit the proposed acquisition plan and ensure a concrete agreement is reached with affected landowners before commencement of further works.
In his reaction, the Surveyor-General of the State, Mr Rufus Gbadura, explained that the proposed land acquisition was intended to attract infrastructure such as five-star hotels, industries and other social amenities to the corridor.
He urged the affected communities to cooperate with government, noting that the people of the area would benefit immensely when the project is fully realised.
