Oyo Communities Raise Alarm Over Ibadan Circular Road Expansion

No fewer than 142 villages and communities in Oyo State have raised concerns that they risk extinction following reported plans by the state government to acquire additional lands for the Ibadan Circular Road project.

The affected communities span six local government areas in rural Ibadan: Ido, Lagelu, Oluyole, Egbeda, Ona Ara, and Akinyele. Residents claim that government officials are attempting to mark an additional 850 metres for the road, beyond the 150 metres initially planned.

“Any attempt to extend the road will affect a lot of people negatively,” said Mr. Oladosu Olutayo, spokesman for the residents, during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Residents have issued a 7-day ultimatum to the government to resolve the matter, warning of potential negative impacts if the plan proceeds.

Breakdown of affected communities:

Oluyole LGA: 22 communities

Egbeda LGA: 3 communities

Lagelu LGA: 23 communities

Ona Ara LGA: 22 communities

Akinyele LGA: highest number of affected communities

The Ibadan Circular Road project dates back to the administration of the current Olubadan, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, when 150 metres of land was initially marked. Former governors Christopher Alao-Akala and Abiola Ajimobi made no or additional expansions, respectively.

In response, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, stated that the current administration inherited the project and emphasized that:

“Governor Makinde has not acquired an inch. All those affected will be compensated, and no one will be shortchanged. The first phase saw 90 per cent compensation already paid.”

While residents remain anxious about the proposed expansion, the government insists that compensation measures will ensure fairness for all affected communities.