The Oyo State Government has officially started paying compensation to property owners affected by the ongoing Ojoo/Akinyele Road expansion and asphaltic reconstruction project.

The move is part of government efforts to balance infrastructural development with fairness to residents whose properties were impacted by the construction works.

According to the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, the compensation exercise was carried out during an interactive session where affected claimants were attended to and payments commenced for those already cleared.

He explained that the state government believes that development projects should not negatively affect citizens without due compensation, especially as the road expansion is aimed at boosting economic activities and positioning Oyo State as a major business hub.

He further noted that the project, which covers areas including Ojoo Interchange, IITA, Moniya Junction, Akinyele Interchange, and links to the new Oyo Expressway, will significantly improve transport and agricultural business opportunities once completed.

The commissioner also highlighted that Governor Seyi Makinde had directed the ministry to ensure that documentation and verification processes for affected property owners are handled without delay.

A standing committee on verification, led by retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Babatunde Odukoya, has been set up to screen all claimants before payments are made.So far, about 65 property owners have been identified in the first phase of the project.Out of this number, 22 have already been cleared and received their compensation, while others are still undergoing verification.

The government also warned claimants against bribery, stressing that compensation is strictly for legitimate beneficiaries and any official demanding bribe should be reported.

Stakeholders at the meeting, including representatives of the affected property owners, commended the administration for the gesture, describing the compensation as unexpected but welcome.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to continuing infrastructural development projects such as the dry port, railway station, new town development, and the circular road, which are expected to further boost economic growth in Oyo State and the wider South-West region.