Ibadan Residents Protest Proposed Expansion of Circular Road Project

Dozens of residents from Akinyele Local Government Area in Ibadan staged a peaceful protest on Monday at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, objecting to the proposed expansion of the Ibadan Circular Road project beyond the boundaries previously marked for construction.

Holding placards with messages like “150 meters is enough” and “Our people are dying on a daily basis,” the protesters expressed concern over the government’s decision to extend the road corridor, which they claim is already displacing communities and causing hardship.

The Circular Road project was first initiated during the administration of Governor Rasidi Ladoja (2003–2007) and later continued under Governor Abiola Ajimobi (2011–2019). Despite the long timeline, the current Seyi Makinde-led administration is now pushing for further expansion a move that has sparked renewed tensions in affected communities.

The communities say the original 150-meter demarcation is already too invasive and that any additional land acquisition will only worsen their situation.

Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, Ismail Qamardeen Abimbola, a resident of Akinyele, pleaded with the government to reconsider its plans.

“We are here to appeal to the government to consider us on the issue of the corridor they want to embark upon. Many villages and communities are involved Solalu, Alagbede, Olukitibi, Akinwande, Akinlawon, Omilabu, Aba Odo, Aba Ido, and others. People are suffering.”

Abimbola added that some residents have lost their sources of livelihood, homes, and peace of mind as a result of the earlier phase of land acquisitions.

“Many people have died while alive already on the previous 150 meters they have marked. It is too much. We are here to appeal to the state government.”

While the Circular Road is touted as a critical infrastructure project meant to ease traffic and boost economic activity in Ibadan, it has increasingly become a flashpoint for land rights disputes and community displacement fears.

So far, the Oyo State Government has not issued an official response to Monday’s protest.