Thousands of residents across Ibadan poured into the streets on Monday, blocking major roads and government entry points as they protested attempt by the Oyo State Government to expand the land area earmarked for the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project.
The demonstrations, which began early in the morning, escalated into a citywide disruption affecting traffic and business activities around Iwo Road, Agodi, and several adjoining communities.
The protesters, drawn from Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda Local Government Areas, accused the state government of attempting to forcibly acquire more land than initially approved for the project.
They insist Governor Seyi Makinde is seeking to extend the right-of-way beyond the original 150 metres marked during the administration of former governor and current Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.
According to community members, the proposed expansion threatens hundreds of homes, farmlands, family compounds, and economic livelihoods.
Many residents say they were neither consulted nor compensated, describing the move as “land grabbing in the name of development.”
By mid-morning, protesters had blocked key sections of Iwo Road, preventing vehicular movement into and out of one of Ibadan’s busiest commercial corridors. Motorists were stranded in gridlock stretching kilometres, leaving commuters trekking long distances.
Another large crowd gathered at the entrance of the Agodi Government Secretariat, demanding immediate reversal of the government’s alleged plan.
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Placards carried by demonstrators conveyed strong messages: “No to forced eviction,” “Makinde, respect Ladoja’s boundary,” “Our homes are not for sale,” and “Maintain 150 metres!”
Many said they support the Circular Road project but oppose the “excessive and unnecessary expansion” they believe is designed to favour private developers rather than the public.
Community leaders accused government surveyors of entering lands without proper notice, sparking heightened tension in villages around Akinyele, Ona Ara and Egbeda.
Several protesters told journalists they were awakened to find new markings far beyond the original boundaries, in some cases cutting through long-established residential areas.
Residents also said the expansion, if allowed, would displace entire communities, destroy ancestral land ties, and worsen poverty in a region still recovering economically.
They called on Governor Makinde to publicly clarify the exact extent of land required, engage communities transparently, and honour previous commitments made under the Ladoja administration.
