Ibadan Circular Road residents protest over compensation gaps, demand 75-metre compliance and justice as only 204 of 2,000 affected persons were paid.
Residents affected by the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor project in Oyo State staged a protest on Thursday, renewing their demands for fairness, transparency, and adherence to the originally approved 75-metre right-of-way.
The demonstration, which drew community members, highlighted growing frustration over what residents described as prolonged neglect and inadequate compensation since the issue began last year.
The protest ground echoed with chants of “Circular is okay, no more corridor,” as they marched, expressing their rejection any expansion.
At the heart of their demands is the insistence that the Oyo State Government strictly maintain the originally gazetted 75 metres on both sides of the corridor.
According to the protesters, any expansion beyond this limit threatens to displace thousands of families and destroy established communities.
Speaking during the gathering, the chairman of the residents’ committee urged Governor Seyi Makinde to respect the 75-metre boundary as previously approved.
He stressed that maintaining this limit is critical, especially before a new administration emerges, warning that failure to do so could deepen tensions and complicate future governance.
The protest coincided with a National Conference convened by the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor Residents, described as a landmark event aimed at addressing the pressing challenges surrounding the project.
The conference brought together stakeholders, policymakers, community leaders, and citizens to deliberate on sustainable solutions and advocate for justice.
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During the conference, residents revealed that out of over 2,000 affected individuals, only 204 had received compensation.
Even more concerning, they noted that many of those compensated were paid amounts insufficient to secure alternative housing or rebuild their lives.
“This is not just about numbers; it is about livelihoods,” one participant said, emphasizing that the compensation provided so far has fallen far short of addressing the real impact of displacement.
The residents also raised alarm over the human toll of the situation, alleging that several affected individuals have lost their lives due to stress, uncertainty, and the prolonged nature of the dispute.
While specific figures were not disclosed, the claim added a somber tone to the proceedings and underscored the urgency of resolving the matter.
In their communiqué, the residents reiterated three key demands: adherence to the 75-metre acquisition framework originally established in 2006, full compensation for all affected property owners before any demolition, and protection of communities located outside the legally defined corridor.
They also acknowledged the contributions of traditional and civic institutions, including the leadership of Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, whose administration initially gazetted the 75-metre boundary.
Residents appealed for continued intervention from community bodies to safeguard the rights and welfare of affected persons.
While recognizing infrastructural efforts by the current administration, the residents maintained that development must not come at the expense of justice and human dignity.
They further called on the incoming administration to prioritize early engagement with stakeholders, ensure continuity in policy decisions, and adopt a people-centered approach rooted in fairness and inclusiveness.
As tensions persist, residents expressed hope that constructive dialogue between the government and affected communities would lead to a resolution that balances development goals with the rights and well-being of citizens.
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