No fewer than 142 villages and communities in Oyo State have raised concerns over what they described as a looming threat of extinction, following alleged plans by the state government to acquire additional land for the Ibadan Circular Road corridor.
The affected areas are spread across six local government areas within rural Ibadan — Ido, Lagelu, Oluyole, Egbeda, Ona Ara, and Akinyele.
The Ibadan Circular Road project was originally conceived during the administration of former governor and current Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.
It was initially planned to occupy 150 metres of land, though construction did not begin before the end of his tenure. His successor, the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, also did not commence the project.
It was during the administration of the late former governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, that work began on the circular road.
However, residents of the affected communities have now alleged that government officials have started marking an additional 850 metres of land for the project. The communities made this known during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Mr. Oladosu Olutayo urged the Oyo State government to maintain the already designated 150 metres for the project. He warned that any expansion beyond that boundary would have devastating effects on the livelihoods of many residents.
Olutayo further disclosed that the communities have given the government a seven-day ultimatum to address their grievances.
Findings revealed that 22 villages and communities in Oluyole Local Government Area and three in Egbeda would be affected if the plan proceeds. In Lagelu LGA, 23 communities are expected to be impacted, while Ona Ara would lose 22. Akinyele Local Government Area has the highest number of affected villages and communities.
Government Reacts: “No One Will Be Shortchanged”
Reacting to the allegations, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, stated that the current administration is only acting on what it inherited from previous governments.
According to him, all affected persons will be duly compensated.
He said, “This circular road project started during the administration of former governor, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja. He acquired 75 metres left and right, making 150 metres. When Senator Abiola Ajimobi came, he acquired an additional 350 metres.”
“This governor, Makinde, has not acquired an inch. He has not acquired an inch. This is what he inherited. The first phase, those who have been affected, 90 per cent of them have been compensated. Those who will be affected will be compensated. The governor has said it several times. He will ensure that no one will be shortchanged.”
Olanrewaju emphasized that the present administration did not create the issue, adding that Governor Makinde remains committed to ensuring fairness and compensation for all affected residents.
