Thousands of residents across Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have taken to the streets in a massive protest against the state government's alleged plan to acquire more land for the Ibadan circular road project.
Roads Blocked in Major Demonstration
The angry protesters, who hail from local government areas including Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda, blocked several major roads in the ancient city. One of the most significant blockades occurred at the Iwo road area, a crucial access point in and out of Ibadan, leading to a severe traffic gridlock that paralyzed movement in that part of the city.
Another group of demonstrators gathered at the entrance of the Agodi government secretariat, carrying placards with various messages expressing their opposition to the planned land acquisition expansion.
Historical Context of the Circular Road Project
The Ibadan circular road project was originally conceived during the administration of Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, who currently serves as the Olubadan of Ibadanland but was then the state governor. Under Ladoja's administration, the project was marked for 150 metres of land for the construction corridor.
However, the current administration under Governor Seyi Makinde is now planning to extend the number of metres designated for the circular road corridor. This proposed extension would affect significantly more houses and community lands, prompting the widespread protest action from residents who want the government to maintain the original 150 metres marked by Ladoja.
Parallel Protest in Ondo State Over Abandoned Road
In a related development that highlights growing public frustration over infrastructure issues in southwestern Nigeria, residents of the Ijoka community in Akure, Ondo State, shut down socio-economic activities on Monday while protesting the abandoned and deplorable state of their major road.
The infuriated residents mounted barricades on the road with logs of wood and piles of stones as early as 7:00 am, forcing hundreds of commuters to abandon their vehicles and trek long distances to their destinations. The gridlock stretched into adjoining major routes such as Oda Road and Oluwatuyi.
The angry residents accused the state government of abandoning the dualisation of the Ijoka road project, which was inaugurated about seven years ago during the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. They claimed that all work on the road ceased following the governor's passing in December 2023.
Armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as 'Fix Ijoka Road, Save Our Lives', 'No More Promises, We Need Action', and 'We Deserve Good Roads Too', the protesters chanted solidarity songs and demanded immediate government intervention. Commercial drivers and Okada riders joined the protest, honking their horns and calling for the mobilization of contractors to the site.
One of the protest leaders, Dele Akinola, lamented that the action became inevitable after years of neglect and broken promises by successive administrations. 'It's painful; this road was a top priority for the late governor. He came here himself and promised it would be completed. After his passing, it's as if the government forgot we exist,' Akinola stated.
'Every rainy season, this road becomes a river. Cars break down daily, tricycles tip over, and people get injured. We have written petitions, made appeals, and even met with government officials, but no tangible action has been taken. This protest is not political; we only want a motorable road. That's all we're asking for,' he added.
