The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem ‘Bayo Lawal, has said Egbeda Local Government Area is strategically positioned to experience accelerated development with the completion of major projects within and around the council.
Lawal stated this on Friday, September 25, 2026, while commissioning the newly constructed office complex for the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, at the council secretariat in Egbeda, Ibadan.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to former chairmen of the council in recognition of their contributions to the development of the local government.
The Deputy Governor identified the Ibadan Circular Road, the Air Force Base in Ajia and the Ajoda Housing Estate, among other projects, as major developments expected to transform the fortunes of Egbeda and position it at the centre of emerging development corridors in Oyo State.
Lawal also appealed to residents and property owners affected by the Ibadan Circular Road project to support the development, describing it as a long-term investment in the future of the state.
He assured those whose properties were affected by the project that they would be compensated in line with the overriding public interest.
According to him, the state government is deliberately planning the Circular Road corridor to avoid the uncontrolled development that followed the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Lawal recalled that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, constructed in 1977, subsequently became surrounded by unplanned settlements because adequate development planning was not put in place.
He said the Oyo State Government was determined not to repeat the experience with the Circular Road.
“The Circular Road we are building will come with adequate planning, so that future generations will know that we had a clear vision for Oyo State.”
He added that the benefits of the project might not be immediately apparent but would become more evident over the next 10 to 30 years.
“Those whose houses were demolished will be compensated. They should not agitate. They must understand what the Oyo State Government is trying to achieve,” Lawal said.
Speaking on the newly commissioned office complex, the Deputy Governor said the project was constructed through the internally generated revenue of Egbeda Local Government.
He commended Sanda for the initiative, noting that the council chairman had demonstrated that local governments could execute meaningful projects when resources were properly managed.
In his remarks, Sanda described the office complex as a lasting legacy of his administration, stressing that it was funded entirely through the council’s internally generated revenue.
He expressed appreciation to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for providing the platform and autonomy that, according to him, have enabled local governments to translate their development plans into tangible projects.
Sanda described Makinde as a transformational leader and assured residents that more development projects were underway in the local government.
He pledged to continue serving the people of Egbeda and Oyo State until the end of his tenure.
In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Akintunde; former council chairman and former TESCOM Chairman, Chief Akin Alamu; and Co-Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council and former Egbeda Local Government Chairman, Elder Wole Oyelese, commended Sanda for what they described as impactful projects and good governance.
Earlier, the Head of Administration of Egbeda Local Government, Dr. Monsurat Ayo-Alaga, said the new office building reflected the council’s commitment to prudent financial management, accountability and judicious use of public resources.
She said the recognition of former chairmen was an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions to the growth and development of the council.
Ayo-Alaga also commended the Makinde administration for its interventions in education, healthcare, water supply, infrastructure and security as part of its grassroots development efforts.
The event was attended by the member representing Egbeda State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola; Oyo South APM senatorial candidate, Hon. Oguntoyinbo Ajadi; Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Pension Board, Hon. Ademola Ige; traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
