Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has refused to meet with protesters demanding action on the long-awaited Ibadan circular road project, saying he will not engage with individuals he claims are being sponsored by unnamed parties.
While speaking at the commissioning of a project in Ibadan on Wednesday, Makinde expressed his frustration with the protesters, who have been vocal about the delay in completing the project. He revealed that he has been called names, including a thief and a land grabber, but remains unfazed.
“I will not speak with the protesters anywhere because some people are sponsoring them,” Makinde said.
“What I will do is to come to the area myself and engage with the real people in the area.”
The governor also took a swipe at critics, daring them to investigate his record on land acquisition.
“If I leave office in 18 months’ time and you see my name on any land acquired by the government, please call me out publicly,” he challenged.
Despite the verbal attacks, Makinde expressed gratitude to those who have sent messages of support, saying they have given him the strength to press on.
“I am also human and sometimes those abuses get to me emotionally and it pains me, but some of the messages I received have given me strength,” he said.
