The Ekiti State Government has appealed to communities and landowners along the ongoing ring road project to release portions of their land to enable the expansion of the project and speed up development along the corridor.
Some of the affected communities, including Afao-Ekiti, Aare-Ekiti, Araromi-Obo, Igbogun and Iworoko-Ekiti, have sought clarification on the proposed acquisition of 200 metres of land on both sides of the road for infrastructure development.
Deputy Governor Chief Monisade Afuye made the appeal at a meeting with representatives of the affected communities in Ado-Ekiti.
She assured them that the government would not resort to forceful acquisition and that landowners would be adequately compensated.
Afuye said the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji was committed to developing the state through dialogue and consultation, and urged the communities to cooperate with the government in the overall interest of Ekiti.
She urged residents to sustain the spirit of dialogue and to avoid self-help as discussions continue.
“Oyebanji is keenly interested in the development of Ekiti State. The land we intend to acquire is to develop the ring road axis by attracting landmark infrastructure to the area and opening it up as a new hub of development.
“This government believes in advocacy and consultation. You voted us into power, and we will continue to consider your interests in the execution of our policies.
“No administration in the state has paid compensation to property owners like the Oyebanji-led administration. I assure you that your sacrifices will not be in vain, as you will be adequately compensated,” she said.
The deputy governor allayed fears of widespread demolition of properties along the corridor. She said she would personally visit the area with relevant government agencies to assess the situation and ensure that demolitions, where unavoidable, were kept to a minimum.
She expressed optimism that further dialogue would enable both parties to make the necessary concessions to achieve the project’s objectives for the benefit of the state.
Also speaking, the member representing Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Akeem Jamiu, urged the affected landowners to embrace development, noting that the state airport in the area had already brought significant benefits to the communities.
Jamiu appealed to the communities to adopt a mutually beneficial approach as discussions continue, assuring them that the government would not embark on projects capable of undermining their welfare.
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, said they were keen to understand how the proposed acquisition would affect the future growth and expansion of their communities.
They asked for continued engagement with landowners so that a mutually acceptable arrangement could be reached as the project progresses.
In his remarks, the Surveyor-General of Ekiti State, Mr Rufus Gbadura, explained that the proposed acquisition was intended to accommodate major infrastructure, including five-star hotels, industries and other social amenities.
He urged the communities to cooperate with the government, stressing that the proposed development would bring substantial economic and social benefits to the area.
