Thousands of furious residents in Ibadan, Oyo State, have taken to the streets, creating massive traffic jams and blocking key routes to voice their outrage. The reason? Allegations that the state government is planning to seize more land than initially intended for the ambitious Ibadan circular road project. This action has brought parts of the city to a standstill, highlighting deep frustration among the communities affected.
What’s Causing the Fury?
The Ibadan circular road project has been on the drawing board for years, first conceived during the tenure of Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja when he was governor. Back then, a width of 150 meters was earmarked for the road. However, the current administration under Governor Seyi Makinde is reportedly looking to expand this corridor, potentially impacting a much larger number of homes and ancestral lands. Residents from areas like Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda are demanding that the original 150-meter plan be strictly adhered to, fearing displacement and loss of their properties.
Roads Blocked, Chaos Ensues
In a show of force, the protesting residents descended upon major access points, effectively cutting off traffic. The Iwo road area, a vital artery for the city, became a scene of gridlock as vehicles were unable to pass. Protesters, armed with placards and their voices, also made their presence felt at the entrance of the Agodi government secretariat, presenting a clear message to the authorities. This widespread disruption has significantly impacted daily life and economic activities in the affected areas.
A Tale of Two Protests: Ibadan and Ondo Echo Frustration
Interestingly, this isn’t an isolated incident of public outcry over infrastructure. In Ondo State, residents of the Ijoka community in Akure South Local Council Area staged a similar protest, shutting down socio-economic activities. Their grievance? The deplorable and abandoned state of the main road connecting their community to the rest of Akure metropolis. This road, intended for dualisation about seven years ago, has seen work grind to a halt, especially after the passing of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Ijoka Road: A Symbol of Neglect
Commuters were forced to abandon their vehicles and trek for miles as protesters, including commercial drivers and Okada riders, erected barricades made of logs and stones from as early as 7 AM. The gridlock spilled onto major routes, paralyzing movement. Residents lamented that:
- The dualisation project, initiated years ago, has been left unfinished.
- Work ceased entirely after the governor’s demise in December 2023.
- The road, crucial for the state capital, has severely deteriorated due to erosion and lack of maintenance.
- The situation worsens every rainy season, turning the road into a ‘river’ and causing frequent vehicle breakdowns and accidents.
Protesters held placards with slogans like “Fix Ijoka Road, Save Our Lives” and “We’ve Been Forgotten Since Akeredolu Died,” echoing a sentiment of abandonment. Dele Akinola, a protest leader, shared the community’s plight:
“It’s painful; this road was a top priority for the late governor. He came here himself and promised it would be completed. After his passing, it’s as if the government forgot we exist. Every rainy season, this road becomes a river. Cars break down daily, tricycles tip over, and people get injured. We have written petitions, made appeals, and even met with government officials, but no tangible action has been taken. This protest is not political; we only want a motorable road.”
Key Takeaways from the Protests:
- Land Acquisition Concerns: Ibadan residents fear excessive land seizure for road expansion.
- Infrastructure Decay: Ondo residents are protesting the abandonment of a critical road project.
- Broken Promises: In both cases, there’s a shared sentiment of neglect and unfulfilled government promises.
- Community Mobilization: Residents are actively organizing and using disruptive tactics to demand action.
- Economic Impact: Road blockades and deteriorated infrastructure severely disrupt daily life and commerce.
These parallel events underscore a broader issue of public trust and the urgent need for governments to address infrastructure deficits and land use policies transparently and effectively. The voices of the people, amplified through these protests, demand immediate attention and concrete solutions.
About The Author
