Headline:Ibadan Residents Block Major Roads, Protest Against Circular Road Expansion Plans

Thousands of residents in Ibadan, Oyo State, have taken to the streets to protest alleged plans by the state government to expand the Ibadan Circular Road corridor, a move that would require acquiring additional community lands.

Protesters, hailing from Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda local government areas, have blocked major roads, including Iwo Road, causing severe traffic congestion. Some demonstrators have also gathered at the entrance of the Agodi Government Secretariat, carrying placards demanding the government maintain the original road plan.

The circular road project was initially conceived during the tenure of former Governor and current Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, who marked 150 metres for its construction. Current Governor Seyi Makinde’s proposed expansion, which would extend the corridor beyond this original allocation, has triggered the residents’ backlash.

The demonstrators insist that the government respect the previously marked 150 metres to avoid displacing more homes and community properties. Authorities have yet to comment on the protests or the proposed expansion.

The demonstration underscores rising tensions over urban development projects in Ibadan and highlights the delicate balance between infrastructure growth and community rights.