By Our Reporter.
Thousands of residents in Ibadan, Oyo State, took to the streets on Monday to protest the state government’s alleged plan to acquire additional land for the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project.
The demonstrators, drawn from communities across Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda local government areas, blocked several major roads in the city, including the busy Iwo Road, causing heavy traffic congestion.
According to reports, the Ibadan Circular Road project was first conceived during the administration of former governor and current Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja. At the time, a 150-metre corridor was designated for the project.
However, protesters claim that the current administration, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, intends to extend the corridor beyond the original 150 metres — a move they say will lead to the demolition of more homes and the loss of community lands.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the aggrieved residents also gathered at the entrance of the Agodi Government Secretariat to express their dissatisfaction and demand that the government respect the initial land demarcation.
The protest has caused significant disruption to movement within the city as demonstrators vow to continue until their concerns are addressed.
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