Thousands of residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday staged a massive protest over alleged plans by the state government to acquire more lands for the Ibadan Circular Road corridor.
The protesters, in their large numbers, blocked some major roads in the ancient city, causing gridlock and disrupting movement for hours.
Ibadancity Announcer reports that the idea of the Ibadan Circular Road was first conceived during the administration of the current Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, when he served as governor of the state.
It was gathered that Oba Ladoja, during his tenure, marked 150 metres for the construction of the circular road. However, the current governor, Seyi Makinde, is reportedly planning to extend the number of metres for the corridor, a move that will affect more houses and community lands.
The protesting residents, who are from Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda local government areas, called on the state government to maintain the 150 metres already marked by Ladoja.
The group of protesters blocked access in and out of Iwo Road, one of the major roads in Ibadan, resulting in serious traffic congestion in the area.
Another group of protesters was also seen at the entrance of the Agodi Government Secretariat.
The residents carried various placards expressing their displeasure over the planned land acquisition.
