The Oyo State government is embarking on a meticulous verification process to ensure equitable compensation for landowners and claimants affected by the acquisition of land for the Segment I section of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project. This critical infrastructure initiative, spanning from Alago to the Ajota community, necessitates the acquisition of land, and the government is committed to a transparent and just compensation process for those impacted. The verification exercise, scheduled to commence on December 15, 2024, and conclude on December 22, 2024, will be rigorously overseen by a dedicated monitoring team headed by retired Commissioner of Police, Sunday Odukoya. This team will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accurate identification of legitimate landowners and claimants, facilitating the smooth and efficient disbursement of compensation.
The government’s commitment to transparency is evident in the clearly defined documentation requirements for landowners and claimants. They are required to present a range of documents to substantiate their claims and facilitate the verification process. These documents include proof of identity and residency, evidence of land ownership or purchase, national identification, and photographic identification. Specifically, residents are expected to provide a local government identification certificate or residence permit (for non-indigenes), a valid land purchase agreement, their National Identification Number (NIN), and two current passport-sized photographs. These documents will serve as primary evidence of identity and land ownership, allowing the verification team to accurately identify and verify the claims.
Further documentation requirements underscore the government’s commitment to a thorough and legally sound verification process. Landowners are required to present a letter of power of attorney from the Ministry of Justice if represented by a proxy, ensuring that all transactions are conducted with proper legal authorization. Additionally, they need to provide their bank details for the direct deposit of compensation, a survey plan of the affected property or farmland, and a photograph of the property/farmland to visually corroborate the claims. This comprehensive approach aims to minimize disputes and ensure that compensation reaches the rightful beneficiaries. The requirement of an affidavit from the court or Ministry of Justice further strengthens the legal validity of the claims and safeguards against fraudulent activities. Lastly, claimants must provide two passport-sized photographs of their guarantor or surety, along with their means of identification, adding another layer of verification and accountability to the process.
To streamline the verification process and manage the anticipated volume of claimants, the exercise will be conducted in batches. This phased approach allows for a more organized and efficient verification process, minimizing waiting times and ensuring that each claim receives adequate attention. Claimants are advised to visit the Ministry of Lands on December 13, 2024, to ascertain their assigned batch and scheduled verification date. This pre-verification step will enable claimants to plan their attendance and minimize potential delays or inconveniences during the verification exercise. The designated venue for the verification process is the Islamic High School, Orita Basorun, Ibadan, chosen for its accessibility and capacity to accommodate the anticipated number of participants.
The Oyo State government’s proactive approach to land acquisition and compensation demonstrates its commitment to responsible governance and infrastructure development. By establishing a clear and transparent verification process, the government aims to protect the rights and interests of landowners and claimants, ensuring they receive fair and timely compensation for their land. The rigorous documentation requirements, coupled with the establishment of a dedicated monitoring team, reflect the government’s commitment to upholding due process and minimizing potential disputes. The phased approach to verification further enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the process, ensuring that all claimants are treated fairly and equitably.
The Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project represents a significant investment in the state’s infrastructure, promising to improve transportation, connectivity, and economic development. The government’s commitment to a just and transparent compensation process reinforces its dedication to responsible governance and its recognition of the importance of protecting the rights of its citizens. By implementing a well-structured and carefully managed verification exercise, the Oyo State government aims to ensure that the project’s benefits are shared equitably while minimizing the impact on affected landowners and claimants. The comprehensive nature of the verification process underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability in its infrastructure development initiatives.
