The 110-kilometre Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road was conceived as a development dream — a bold infrastructure project designed to ease traffic congestion in Ibadan, open up new economic corridors and facilitate the emergence of a modern city.
Today, however, under Governor Seyi Makinde, that dream has allegedly become a nightmare for thousands of Oyo State families who claim to have lost their ancestral lands and property to the project.
What is the controversy?
The original concept and design of the Circular Road provided for a 75-metre setback on both sides of the road, a standard buffer intended to accommodate future expansion and service lanes.
This, according to affected landowners and residents, was what families, communities and landowners who had lived along the corridor for generations understood and accepted.
But the Makinde administration allegedly expanded the acquisition corridor from 75 metres to 500 metres on each side, making it a total acquisition corridor of one kilometre.
The development has generated widespread controversy among affected communities and property owners, who are demanding clarification on the basis for the expanded acquisition.
The human tragedy
The alleged consequences have been devastating.
1. Mass land acquisition:
More than 10,000 families across Lagelu, Egbeda, Ona-Ara, Oluyole, Ido and Akinyele Local Government Areas are alleged to have lost portions of their ancestral lands.
2. Demolition and compensation concerns:
Houses built with life savings, including completed and uncompleted buildings, have reportedly been demolished, with some affected property owners alleging that they were not adequately enumerated or compensated before the exercise.
3. Human cost:
The emotional and financial consequences have, according to the affected residents, been severe. Some landlords are alleged to have suffered serious health challenges, while others have reportedly been left bedridden following the destruction of properties into which they had invested their life savings.
These, they insist, are not mere statistics but fathers and mothers in communities such as Badeku, Ajota, Alakia and Ajanla.
4. Allegations of preferential development:
The most contentious allegation concerns the additional land said to have been acquired beyond the immediate road requirement.
Crony Capitalism:
The remaining portion which is 425 has been
allegedly being earmarked for private estates, shopping malls and industrial developments involving individuals and developers allegedly connected to the government.
These allegations require transparent clarification by the relevant authorities, particularly on the legal basis for the acquisition, ownership of the land and its proposed utilisation.
For the affected residents, however, the central question remains: should infrastructure development come at the expense of the property rights and livelihoods of ordinary citizens?
Alli will restore the smile
Distinguished Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (BSA), the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, has, according to his campaign organisation, listened to the complaints of affected residents and visited some of the communities.
The campaign said Alli had empathised with the affected families and promised to address their grievances if elected governor.
Senator Alli is quoted as saying:
«“When elected Governor in 2027, I will immediately review and revert the Circular Road corridor back to the original 75 metres on both sides as contained in the original master plan.”»
He also promised that excess lands would be returned to their original owners where appropriate, while those whose properties were demolished without adequate compensation would be properly compensated and assisted.
According to him, the Circular Road should be constructed with a human face, rather than becoming a source of hardship for the people.
The project, he maintained, must bring development and prosperity to Oyo State without unfairly sacrificing the interests of the people whose communities and properties lie along its route.
The Circular Road, he said, must bring joy, not tears; create opportunities for the people, rather than concentrate wealth in the hands of a few.
For the APC governorship candidate, the issue is ultimately about balancing infrastructure development with justice, the rule of law and respect for property rights.
Enough of the crying. A smile is coming in 2027.
BSA VOICE OF REASON MEDIA & (RHAIN) Coordinator oyo state
