Hundreds of residents across Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, took to the streets to protest the alleged plan by the state government to acquire additional land for the Ibadan Circular Road project.
The protesters, who converged on major parts of the city, blocked key roads, disrupting vehicular movement and causing heavy traffic gridlock in several areas, including Iwo Road and the entrance to the Agodi Government Secretariat.
The Ibadan Circular Road project was first initiated during the administration of the current Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, when he served as governor of Oyo State. At the time, a 150-metre corridor was reportedly designated for the project.
However, the protesters alleged that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde is now planning to extend the designated corridor beyond the original 150 metres, a move they claim will lead to the demolition of more houses and the loss of community lands.
Residents from Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda local government areas joined the protest, demanding that the government retain the 150-metre boundary previously approved.
The demonstrators, armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, accused the government of insensitivity and vowed to resist any attempt to further expand the project area.
Motorists and commuters were stranded for hours as protesters blocked access routes, insisting that the government must address their grievances before they would vacate the roads.