By Residents affected by the ongoing Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project staged a protest on Thursday, April 9, along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway, opposing the proposed extension of the road corridor.
The demonstration, which drew a significant number of aggrieved residents, led to heavy traffic congestion on the busy expressway, leaving motorists and commuters delayed for some period of time.
The protesters called on the Oyo State Government to reconsider its plan to extend the circular road corridor by 500 metres on each side, insisting that authorities should adhere to the initially gazetted 150-metres right of way (75 metres on each side). They further decried the demolition of some properties without corresponding compensation for affected owners.
Chanting slogans such as “Circular is okay, no more corridor,” the protesters made it clear that while they support the construction of the circular road, they strongly oppose what they described as an excessive expansion of the corridor.
Placards observed at the scene reflected this sentiment. One read: “Dear Governor Seyi Makinde, we want circular road. We don’t want circular road corridor. Don’t take our hard-earned properties away from us.”
The 110-kilometre Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project spans six local government areas in Ibadan, including Akinyele, Oluyole, Egbeda, Lagelu, Ona Ara, and Ido.
Notably, the protest on Thursday is not the first opposition to the project’s expansion. On September 23, 2024, residents similarly protested at the State Secretariat, Agodi, over the same 500-metre corridor extension.
While addressing the protesters at that time, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, explained that the the initial 150 metres commenced during Gov. Lam Adesina’s administration, and it was validated under Gov. Rashidi Ladoja, while the 500-metre corridor had been gazetted during the administration of former Governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
He, however, assured residents that no demolition would occur beyond a 150-metre corridor and stated that existing structures within the corridor would be integrated into the development.
The governor also promised to establish a committee to engage with affected residents and determine a way forward, while cautioning against further construction within the designated corridor without proper planning approval.
Image source: Oyo State Government
