Residents in Ibadan, Oyo State, are currently staging protests over alleged plans by the state government to acquire additional lands for the Ibadan Circular Road corridor.
The demonstrators have blocked major roads across the ancient city, causing severe traffic congestion.
According to a report obtained by Politics Nigeria, the Ibadan Circular Road project was originally conceived during the tenure of former Governor and current Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja. At the time, 150 metres of land were earmarked for the road’s construction.
It has now emerged that Governor Seyi Makinde intends to expand the corridor beyond the initially marked 150 metres, a move that could affect more homes and community lands.
Our correspondent observed that the protesters, hailing from Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda local government areas, are demanding that the government maintain the original 150-metre plan.
Currently, the demonstrators have blocked Iwo Road, a key artery in Ibadan, disrupting movement in and out of the area. Another group is stationed at the entrance of the Agodi Government Secretariat.
The residents carried placards with various inscriptions, voicing their opposition to the proposed expansion of the circular road corridor.
