Residents of several communities in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, have taken to the streets to protest the alleged plan by the state government to extend the ongoing Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project and acquire more land for the development.
The protesters, who gathered in large numbers on Monday, blocked major roads including Iwo Road at the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway junction, causing heavy traffic gridlock across parts of the city.
The demonstration drew participants from six local government areas — Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda — who claim that the proposed extension threatens their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.
One of the community leaders, Akeem Olaiya, spoke on behalf of the residents, saying their action was not violent but meant to call the attention of authorities to their plight. He said, “We are law-abiding citizens. You can see that our protest is peaceful. What we need is very simple: for the state government to maintain the 150 metres already marked by former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, now the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
According to Okay News reports, the Ibadan Circular Road project was first initiated during the administration of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who served as governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007. The multi-lane highway was designed to ease traffic within the city and connect major entry points, but has experienced several redesigns and funding challenges under successive administrations.
Many residents argue that expanding the project further would lead to displacement without fair compensation or proper resettlement. They called on Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to review the plan and respect the original layout approved during Ladoja’s tenure.
Eyewitnesses said the peaceful protest drew the attention of security operatives who were deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order. There were no reports of violence or arrests as of press time.
The Oyo State Government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the protest or the alleged plan to acquire more land for the project.
