Hundreds of residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday, took to the streets to protest alleged plans by the state government to extend the land area for the Ibadan Circular Road project.
The protesters, drawn from Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda local government areas, blocked major roads, including the busy Iwo Road axis, causing heavy traffic gridlock across the city.
The residents accused the government of attempting to expand the original 150-metre setback earmarked for the project during the administration of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, the current Olubadan of Ibadanland.
They alleged that the proposed extension by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration would lead to the demolition of more houses and the acquisition of community farmlands.
Many of the demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions such as “Maintain 150 metres setback”, “Don’t take our land”, and “Makinde, respect Ladoja’s plan.”
Another group of protesters also gathered at the entrance of the Agodi Government Secretariat to register their grievances.
Security operatives were sighted around the protest scenes to prevent a breakdown of law and order.