Thousands of residents across several local government areas in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday took to the streets to protest alleged plans by Governor Seyi Makinde’s government to expand the land earmarked for the Ibadan circular road corridor.

The protesters, who accused the government of attempting to acquire more lands beyond the original design, blocked major roads in the ancient city, grounding vehicular movement.

Naijaonpoint reports that the idea of the Ibadan circular road was first conceived during the administration of the current Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, when he served as governor.

Ladoja was said to have marked 150 metres for the project. However, the protesters claim Governor Seyi Makinde is planning to extend the measurement, a move that would affect more houses, farmlands and community properties.

Protesting residents from Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole and Egbeda stormed the streets early Monday, demanding that the state government retain the 150 metres originally approved.

At Iwo Road, one of the busiest intersections in Ibadan, demonstrators blocked access in and out of the area, causing heavy traffic gridlock and stranding commuters for hours.

Another group of protesters marched to the entrance of the Agodi Government Secretariat, insisting that the state government must halt any further land extension.

According to Daily Post, the residents, armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, vowed to resist what they described as an attempt to “forcefully dispossess communities” of their ancestral lands.

Many of the protesters expressed fear that the expansion would lead to displacement, demolition of homes and loss of livelihood if the government proceeds with the new plan.

The demonstrations intensified as efforts to calm the aggrieved communities had not yet yielded results at the time of filing this report.

You may also like