Residents of communities along the Ibadan Circular Road corridor have accused the Oyo State Government of land grabbing, unlawful displacement, and abuse of power under the pretext of expanding the ongoing road project.
The affected residents, drawn from Akinyele, Ona Ara, Ido, Lagelu, Oluyole, and Egbeda Local Government Areas, issued a communiqué on Thursday vowing to resist what they described as “reckless abuse of power” and threatened to embark on a peaceful mass protest if the government fails to address their concerns.
The communiqué, signed by Prince Adeniyi Fasoye (Convener) and Isiaq Jimoh (Secretary), and read by Mr. Olutayo Oladosu during a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, accused state officials of secretly marking an additional 850 metres of land across several communities under the guise of road expansion.
According to the residents, the Ibadan Circular Road project—officially renamed the Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Circular Road—was legally initiated in 2005 during the administration of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who acquired 75 metres of land on each side through proper legal processes. Compensation was partly paid to affected landowners during the tenure of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
The residents expressed anger that the current administration under Governor Seyi Makinde has allegedly expanded the legally acquired 75 metres on each side to 500 metres without following due process.
“It is a shock that led to death and stroke when the government announced that the 75 metres on both sides had been increased to 500 metres without following the constitutional procedure of land acquisition,” the communiqué stated.
They further alleged that the additional 425 metres were being allocated to private real estate developers, describing the move as a deliberate attempt to displace the poor for the benefit of the wealthy.
The residents, however, clarified that they were not opposing the Circular Road project itself, but the “injustice and illegality” surrounding its expansion.
“The project is a fantastic initiative that will fast-track the social and economic development of the state. It is a project we are all proud of,” the statement read. “But our protest is not political it is about fairness, justice, and the rule of law.”
They also condemned alleged plans for further demolitions of homes and properties along the corridor, urging the government to uphold Governor Makinde’s earlier directive of “no demolition” of standing buildings within the 1000-metre stretch.
Contrary to government claims, the residents said no compensation had been paid to any affected household within the newly expanded corridor.
They also denied encroaching on government-acquired land, insisting that previous administrations had never placed their properties under acquisition until now.
Recalling Governor Makinde’s assurance during a meeting with residents on September 23, 2024, they reminded him of his promise that “no building standing on the proposed corridor would be demolished.”
The residents called on the governor to honour his commitment, halt the alleged illegal expansion, and convene a dialogue involving representatives from all six affected local governments.
They warned that failure to address their grievances would lead to a mega peaceful protest.
“We appreciate the Olubadan-in-Council, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, activists, and the media for their support despite intimidation from the powers that be,” the communiqué added.
