By, Omowumi Hannah

Residents of the Ibadan Circular Roads Corridor have demanded total reversal of 500 metre corridor benchmark by the Oyo State Government.

The affected residents led by Chief Hammed Adedeji and Olaide Abass who trooped out in their number were seen with diverse inscriptions demanding due compensations and reversal of 500 metre corridor benchmark to 75metre as approved in 2006 during the administration of former governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja causing gridlocks on Adegbayi-New Ife-Ilesa Road on Thursday.

Speaking to newsmen, the Secretary of the association, Olaide Abass lamented the pains and struggles of the affected residents, saying only 204 out of over 2000 affected persons have been compensated by the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.

The residents drawn from six affected local government areas including Egbeda, Ona-Ara, Lagelu, Akinyele, Oluyole and Ido urged the government to prioritize welfare and protection of the affected residents.

Earlier, the chairman of the association, Chief Hammed Adedeji appreciated the Seyi Makinde led government for its development renewal plan, urging a reversal of the development road status quo for an average living of the affected residents

He highlighted the plights of the affected residents, describing the compensation plan uneven, saying, ” Many of our houseowner colleagues have died. Others have been incapacitated by the sudden development. Unfortunately, of the compensated, it was too poor. For instance, a well built house, fenced and gated was compensated for #456,000. Is this fair?”

The old man appealed to well meaning Nigerians and government leaders to support the affected residents against continued diseases, shocks and deaths.

” We need the help of every well meaning Nigerian and government, we must not continue to die over the shock. Help us, let the government of Seyi Makinde and incoming government prioritized people centered policies. Our lands must not be transferred to aliens all in the name of development as Makinde says. ”

Meanwhile, other affected residents called the Oyo State government for transparency in the compensation to the affected on the ongoing Circular Roads Corridor for a lasting legacy and improved democracy.

Recall, the ongoing road infrastructure, being an Ibadan focuses developmental project was conceived by Late Lam Adesina, pushed to action from the administration of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Late Abiola Ajimobi and present Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde , fraught with protests and tongue lashes since March 24, 2014 after the flag off of the East Wing of the project at Badeku Axis of Egbeda-Ona-Ara Local Government.