Dozens of residents from various communities in Ibadan, Oyo State, staged a peaceful protest on Monday against the proposed extension of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, expressing fears that more communities could be displaced if the expansion continues.
The protest took place at the entrance of the Oyo State Government Secretariat, with demonstrators—mostly from Akinyele Local Government Area—calling on the state government to restrict the road construction within the previously marked 150-metre corridor.
Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards that read: “150 metres is enough”, “Our people are dying daily”, and “Don’t extend beyond marked areas”, the protesters urged Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to reconsider its stance on the project.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Ismail Abimbola from Akinyele said many communities had already suffered from the existing land acquisition and any further expansion would devastate more families.
“We are here to appeal to the government to have mercy on us. The 150 metres already marked have affected many people, and any extension will render more residents homeless,” he said.
According to Abimbola, the communities potentially impacted by the expansion include Solalu, Alagbede, Olukitibi, Akinwande, Akinlawon, Omilabu, Aba Odo, Aba Ido, Ido Omo, Ori Oke, Oke Ola, Olowoogbo, Olohungba, Ade Owu, and Asaaju, among several others.
“There are many villages involved in this matter,” he continued. “People are already traumatised. Physically, they’re alive, but emotionally and mentally, they are dead due to the uncertainty this project brings.”
The Circular Road project, originally conceived between 2003 and 2007 under former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, saw actual construction begin under the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi between 2011 and 2019. Concerns have since been raised about land demarcation and compensation.
The residents now fear that the current administration may move beyond the original land boundaries, leading to further displacement and destruction of livelihoods.
“Our prayer is simple: Let the government honour the already designated boundary and spare our communities further hardship,” Abimbola pleaded.
