Currently in Oyo State, specifically within the Ibadan Metropolis, homeowners in some specific 6 local governments have become homeless due to the massive demolition of houses for the construction of the Ibadan Circular Road. This action has led to various setbacks for the affected individuals, rendering some homeless, while others who had already acquired land now face uncertainty. Without a doubt, the construction of the Circular Road aims at urban renewal in the state, which is expected to bring significant benefits to residents and commuters.
However, some people believe that the governor has overstepped in this project, as there are suspicions of unfair practices surrounding the demolition. They argue that His Excellency, Gov Seyi Makinde may have gone beyond what was necessary for the Circular Road project. Therefore, this article seeks to draw an ethical lesson from the life of Caliph Umar during the expansion of the Mosque of al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, and infrastructural activities in Kufah, providing Governor Seyi Makinde with a historical Islamic governance model to inspire him to balance development with justice and fairness.
Ibadan Circular Road
The concept of the Ibadan Circular Road is widely debated regarding its origin. Some attribute the idea to late former governor, Alhaji Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina, while others claim it was first proposed by Senator Rashidi Ladoja. However, a prevailing opinion suggests that the template for the project was designed during Ladoja’s tenure, gaining significant attention during the administration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
The project was established as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement during Ajimobi’s administration. In June 2017, Ajimobi officially launched the construction of the Circular Road, with an estimated cost of N67 billion for a 32km section, excluding an additional N11 billion set aside for bush clearing and earthworks. The contract was initially awarded to ENL Consortium Limited, but under Governor Seyi Makinde, it was re-awarded to SEL-VYDRA Consortium due to ENL’s slow progress on the project as claimed by the government.
Regarding the setback regulations for properties near the Ibadan Circular Road, Governor Ladoja’s administration initially earmarked 75 meters on each side of the road. However, during Ajimobi’s tenure, this was extended to 150 meters, resulting in many people losing their homes and lands. Although the affected residents complied with Ajimobi’s extension, Governor Makinde later determined that the previous setbacks were insufficient. His administration proposed an unprecedented 1km setback (500 meters to the left and 500 meters to the right of the road), which led to the demolition of no fewer than 500 houses as part of the state’s efforts to acquire land for the project. In total, 12 villages and communities are expected to be affected by the ongoing demolition exercise, as the Oyo State Government continues its efforts to implement the Circular Road project.
Protest and Government Order to Stop Demolition
Following the initial demolition, there was a wave of protests from residents of Ibadan whose homes fell within the unprecedented 500-meter radius of the Ibadan Circular Road project. The residents condemned the decision, describing it as inhumane and cruel, and demanded that the government reverse the order. The demolition affected six local government areas: Iddo, Akinyele, Egbeda, Ona-Ara, Lagelu, and Oluyole.
On Friday, September 21st, the government issued a directive to halt demolitions of properties beyond a 150-meter boundary on either side of the circular road. State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, clarified that the extension of the setback to 500 meters was not enacted under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration. He explained that the original 150-meter setback—75 meters to the right and 75 meters to the left—was established in 2006 during the administration of Rasheed Ladoja.
Despite this clarification and the directive to cease demolitions beyond the 150-meter mark, the residents remained skeptical of the government’s intentions and continued to protest, citing a lack of trust in the government’s assurances.
Expansion: Infrastructure Development and Compensation in Islamic History
Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph following the death of the Prophet (pbuh), was renowned for his administrative reforms, including the construction of roads, canals, and public facilities. Historical records indicate that as Islam expanded, there was a need to improve and develop the infrastructure of growing cities like Medina and Kufa. In response, Umar initiated projects that required the demolition of certain areas, ensuring that the affected property owners were duly compensated.
One notable example is the Mosque of al-Haram, which was first expanded under Umar’s leadership between 634 and 644 CE. To accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims, Umar ordered the demolition of houses surrounding the Ka’bah and constructed a 1.5-meter-high wall to demarcate a larger prayer area. He ensured that displaced property owners received fair compensation, either in money or land, from the state treasury (Bayt al-Mal), conducting the process with transparency and fairness.
Similarly, Umar oversaw the expansion of Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque). In Kufah, a garrison town established by Muslims, Umar laid the groundwork for its urban planning. As the town grew and required further infrastructure, he supervised the construction of public works while upholding the rights of citizens. When land was needed for these projects and lawful owners were displaced, Umar ensured that they were fairly compensated, following the same ethical principles he had applied in Mecca. Through his practice of ethical governance, with a strong emphasis on fairness, Umar set a lasting example of leadership that continues to inspire modern governance.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, the entire people of Oyo State can testify that Governor Seyi Makinde began his tenure with widespread goodwill among his peers. This was clearly evident in his landslide victory during his second-term election, where he garnered nearly unanimous support despite opposition from his fellow party members, whom I refer to as political gladiators. The people of Oyo State stood by him, regardless of their religious affiliations.
However, the issue of the Ibadan Circular Road has come as a rude shock to many in the state, leaving them to wonder if the governor has strayed from his mandate of good governance. Many have lost their homes, while others remain in despair.
At this critical juncture, I urge the governor to take lessons from history, particularly from the early Muslims, who ruled with fairness and accountability. In situations involving the displacement of citizens from their properties—such as homes and lands—the governor could draw inspiration from how Umar ibn al-Khattab handled similar matters with justice and compassion.
The Muslim community acknowledges the governor’s previous acts of goodwill, such as the rebuilding of Adogba Mosque after its demolition for the Iwo Road terminal project, the employment of numerous Islamic Studies teachers across government schools, the construction of the Omi Titun Mosque, and the annual Ramadan lecture organized by the governor. While we appreciate these efforts, there is a pressing need for fairness and justice in the ongoing issue of the Ibadan Circular Road. Learning from the ethical governance of Umar ibn al-Khattab would be a fitting approach to this matter and governance in general.
Allah says:
“Indeed, in their stories, there is a lesson for people of reason. It is not a fabricated story, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things, and guidance and mercy for people who believe.” (Q: 12:111).
