Hundreds of landowners affected by the Ibadan Circular Road corridor on Saturday gathered in Ologuneru to protest the Oyo State Government’s plan to acquire 1,000 metres of land for the project, describing the move as excessive and unjust.
The stakeholders, drawn from Ido, Akinyele, Egbeda, Lagelu, Oluyole and Ona-Ara Local Government Areas, warned that over 500,000 residents could be displaced if the government proceeds with the proposed land acquisition for the development corridor.
Operating under the aegis of the Ibadan Circular Road and Corridor Stakeholders Forum, the group met at a “Meet and Greet” programme held at Pelican Hub Event Center, Gbopa, where they unanimously condemned what they termed the forceful takeover of their lands.
They alleged that the state government plans to acquire about 10,000 hectares along the 110-kilometre corridor, insisting that the process did not follow due procedure and does not serve public interest as claimed.
The affected landowners further described the move as illegal, inhuman and unjust, accusing Governor Seyi Makinde of attempting to dispossess them of properties meant for future generations.
Leaders at the meeting, including Awise Adewale Bogunmbe, Pastor Tosin Ogunsola, Baale Akinlawon (Olajire Muyiwa), Mrs. Olayinka Johnson and others, said the group had begun collecting signatures for a petition to the National Assembly.
They called on the government to abandon the proposed corridor plan and restrict the project to the initially approved 150 metres, while also urging a review downward to about 60 metres, which they argued is more in line with road standards in Nigeria.
The stakeholders also demanded immediate compensation for those whose properties have already been demolished and insisted that no further demolition should take place without adequate compensation.
They, however, clarified that their agitation is not politically motivated and that they are not opposed to the administration of Governor Makinde, but are only seeking fairness and justice in the execution of the project.
