Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has refuted claims labeling him as a land grabber, describing the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.
Addressing the controversies surrounding the Ibadan Circular Road project during his media chat on Saturday, Makinde attributed the allegations to those benefiting from illegal land dealings.
According to the governor, the accusations are being propagated by individuals whose activities are under scrutiny.
He cited an example involving a mechanic workshop near Gbagi Market, where his administration had initiated plans to relocate the mechanics as part of efforts to upgrade the Ladoke Akintola Airport to international standards.
The governor revealed that a man who accused him of theft on social media was later found to have no connection to the mechanic site.
He explained that the individual, reportedly brought in from Lagos to discredit the government, was unable to substantiate his claims when confronted.
He said, “I am not a land grabber. But I am a firm believer in the saying that ‘it is only an idiot that will continue to do something the same way and expect a different result.’
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“I can say it clearly that it is even the land grabbers that are calling me a land grabber.
“Let’s take, for instance, some people were being investigated. There is a mechanic place just opposite Gbagi Market. They approached them—I think it was the housing population—and told them, ‘Let us relocate you. We are spending billions of naira to bring Ladoke Akintola Airport to international standard. Let us relocate you.’
“Then, while I was going through social media, a guy came out and said that Seyi Makinde is a thief. Now they got him and said, ‘Okay, come and show us where your own mechanic share is here.’ But he could not point to anything.
“Apparently, he was brought from Lagos. He said he came to ‘work.’ So who paid him for that job to come out and say all the things that he said? Some people must have paid him.”
Regarding concerns about setbacks affecting the Circular Road project, Makinde clarified that land grabbers, not setbacks, are the root of the issues.
He emphasised that his administration is committed to resolving these challenges and compensating affected persons, even in cases where they are not entitled to compensation, to ensure their resettlement.
He said, “Setback is not causing issues. The land grabbers are the ones causing these issues.
“Even though you may not be entitled to any compensation, we will compensate you so that you can have somewhere to stay.”
Reassuring the public, Makinde stated that his administration’s actions are guided by the best interests of the people, urging residents to trust the government’s commitment to transparency and development.
“I want people to know that this is their government, and we will continue to do things in their best interests.”
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