Senator Alli reaffirms commitment to justice, humanity in circular road dispute
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has reassured residents of his commitment to resolving controversies surrounding the 110km Ibadan Circular Road in the interest of justice and humanity.
Alli gave the reassurance to the residents in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, stressing that the issue required sincerity, courage and responsible leadership.
Alli said his administration, immediately upon assuming office, would within 48 hours constitute a high-powered committee to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the project and make recommendations on its controversial aspects.
Alli said the committee would critically examine concerns bordering on alleged land grabbing, demolition of properties, compensation and other grievances raised by affected property owners and residents.
Alli assured those affected that his administration would not treat their concerns with levity, saying those deserving compensation, succour or justice would receive appropriate attention without political discrimination.
According to him, the Circular Road remains an important infrastructure project capable of accelerating economic growth and opening up Ibadan, but its development must be balanced with the protection of human lives and legitimate property rights.
“I am aware that many residents along the Ibadan Circular Road have lost their properties, including residential buildings, schools, shops, churches, mosques and undeveloped plots of land, while, most frighteningly, some have lost their lives.
“I strongly believe that Oyo State must develop, and the Circular Road is not a bad idea. It is a welcome and long-overdue development. However, no infrastructure project is worth the life of even one citizen of Oyo State.
“Where development affects citizens, government must act responsibly, listen to affected communities and ensure nobody is unjustly sacrificed for infrastructure or political calculations, especially where lives, properties and livelihoods are threatened,” he said.
Senator Alli said his commitment was unequivocal, promising that upon receiving the people’s mandate, his administration would immediately conduct a holistic assessment, provide necessary assistance and pursue justice.
“I am aware of how bad the situation has become in some of those areas, but I have deliberately chosen to be modest because I am not prepared to play politics with a matter involving the lives, properties and livelihoods of our people.
“My commitment is unequivocal. When the people give us their mandate, we will immediately set the machinery in motion to conduct a holistic assessment. Those who require help will get it, and those who require justice will get justice,” he said.
Alli stressed that residents along the circular road must remain alive, healthy and protected to enjoy infrastructure, pledging development anchored on humanity, fairness, justice and responsible leadership for all citizens.
“The people of Oyo State, particularly residents along the circular road, must be alive and healthy before they can enjoy the benefits of any infrastructure. By the Grace of Allah, we will pursue development without sacrificing humanity.
“Dead and bed-ridden citizens cannot enjoy beautiful roads and infrastructure. Our government will therefore provide leadership that puts human lives, justice and fairness at the centre of development,” he said.
Alli pledged approach the controversy with transparency and sincerity, assuring that his commitment was not merely a campaign promise but a clear statement of purpose on how his government would respond to sensitive issues affecting citizens.
