Happening now: Ibadan residents protest planned expansion of circular road

Residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, took to the streets on Monday in a peaceful protest against the proposed extension of the Ibadan Circular Road project beyond its originally marked boundaries.

The demonstrators, mostly from Akinyele Local Government Area, gathered at the entrance of the Oyo State Government Secretariat to express their displeasure over the state’s plan to expand the road corridor beyond the initial 150 metres set aside for the project.

The Circular Road project was first introduced between 2003 and 2007 under the administration of former Governor Rasidi Ladoja, who marked out land for its construction. However, the project stalled under the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and was later revived by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who began construction during his tenure from 2011 to 2019.

Carrying placards with messages such as “150 metres is enough” and “Our people are dying on a daily basis,” the protesters urged Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration not to exceed the previously established boundaries, citing ongoing hardship and displacement.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ismail Qamardeen Abimbola appealed to the state government to reconsider the expansion plan. He said several communities— including Solalu, Alagbede, Olukitibi, Akinwande, Akinlawon, Omilabu, Aba Odo, Aba Ido, Ido Omo, Ori Oke, Oke Ola, Olowoogbo, Olohungba, Ade Owu, and Asaaju—have already been affected by the current 150-metre demarcation.

“We are pleading with the government not to go beyond the already marked areas. People have lost homes and farmlands. The emotional and economic toll has been overwhelming. Extending the road further will only make things worse,” he said.

The residents called on the state government to show empathy and prioritize the welfare of affected communities as it continues with the development project.