*Says N25 Million Relief Package Will Go A Long Way
The Asiwaju Adini Musulumi of Ibadanland, Arc (Dr.) Hassan Giwa has commended the move by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu to provide succour to residents whose properties were affected by the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project by the Oyo State Government.
Arc Giwa, in a statement by his media office, said that the aim by the Minister is to mitigate the impact of displacement by the property owners whose structures were either demolished or marked for demolition within the 500-metre buffer zone on both sides of the 113-kilometre project corridor.
The founder of Hassan Olawale Giwa (HOG) Foundation said that the N25 million relief package by the Minister will go a long way for the victims to recover from their present predicament.
Asiwaju Adini of Ibadanland, who was also on the entourage of the Minister to meet the residents of Asanke Village in Oluyole Local Government area of Oyo State, said that the move by Chief Adebayo Adelabu will prevent the spiral downward by the victims as a result of demolition.
On Friday during an interactive session with the affected residents, Adelabu emphasized that his gesture was purely humanitarian and not politically motivated.
“We are one family in Ibadan. I am a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Oyo State. This is not about politics; it is about restoring hope and easing the pain of our people,” he said.
He announced a donation of ₦25 million as the first phase of his intervention to help affected residents secure temporary accommodation.
“For this initial phase, I am donating ₦25 million so that some of you can rent temporary apartments. I believe this will provide immediate relief while longer-term solutions are explored,” he stated.
Adelabu expressed deep sympathy for those who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the demolition exercise.
“Yes, we all desire development that brings progress to Ibadan and Oyo State. However, it must not come at the expense of human lives and welfare. Every development project should have a human face. Progress that disregards people’s well-being ceases to be development.”
He further cautioned against arbitrary demolitions that displace families and render them homeless.
“Government exists to serve the people, not to inflict pain on them. A road corridor can be established, but it must be done responsibly and with compassion,” he added.
The Minister pledged to explore all available channels—both at the federal and state levels—to ensure that justice and fairness prevail. He also promised to engage Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he described as “a friend and brother,” to seek a balanced and compassionate resolution.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding and peaceful in their protests.
“Do not take the law into your hands. All demonstrations must be peaceful and within the bounds of the law. While government authority is supreme, it must always operate with empathy and respect for human dignity,” he concluded.
Arc Hassan Giwa emphasized that efforts by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu to intervene on the matter deserves commendation, therefore, called on other prominent sons and daughters of Ibadan to join the Minister in this intervention move.
