The Ogun State Government stated that it inherited a N202 billion compensation debt on properties demolished by the administration of a former governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun, in order to expand some roads across the state.
It did, however, state governor Dapo Abiodun had approved the payment of outstanding compensation to affected property owners.
Ade Akinsanya, the state commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, announced this on Sunday in Abeokuta, the state capital.
He added that the payment of the compensation would be in phases.
The commissioner added that the state government had decided on the policy of no demolition in its project execution, except where necessary and unavoidable.
He said, “The Abiodun administration inherited outstanding debt of N202bn from the Amosun government on roads alone.
“The last administration had earmarked some houses for demolition preparatory to the rehabilitation of Kemta-Somorin Road in Abeokuta. The project is nearing completion without any demolition carried out.
“Our road design and construction is such that we try to avoid demolition. It is actually not necessary to demolish while constructing roads, unless it is actually unavoidable.
“The same thing applies to bridge construction. Most of the bridges constructed by that regime were a waste of resources.”
Attempts to get reaction from Amosun on the allegation failed on Sunday.