Mass protest in Ibadan over proposed Circular Road expansion

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Residents affected by the proposed expansion of the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor in Oyo State, staged a peaceful protest on Monday, disrupting traffic and drawing attention to their concerns over the project.

The demonstrators, carrying placards and banners, assembled at the Ibadan-Ife Road around 10 a.m., resulting in significant traffic congestion. Several other major roads were also blocked as the residents voiced their opposition to the proposed corridor extension.

Some participants marched toward the state secretariat in Agodi, where the protest intensified, causing delays for visitors and officials due to the temporary closure of the facility.

According to the protest coordinator, Adeniyi Fasoye, the demonstration was non-political. “No politician is sponsoring us against Governor Seyi Makinde. We appeal to the state government to maintain the corridor as initially planned,” he stated.

The Circular Road project was originally initiated during the administration of former Governor Oba Rashidi Ladoja. The plan was interrupted following Ladoja’s impeachment in 2006, which prevented him from completing a second term.

Ladoja had originally designated 150 metres for the road construction. The state government’s proposed extension of the corridor has raised concerns among residents due to its potential impact on houses and community lands.

More than 100 communities across seven local government areas, including Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda, joined the protest, urging the government to uphold the original 150-metre plan. The residents warned that any further extension could result in displacement and property loss.