The Oyo State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) Oyo State chapter has frowned at the decision of the Governor Seyi Makinde government to extend Ibadan Circular Road project beyond 150metre.
The party in its solidarity walk with affected residents has announced plans to storm the streets and shut down the state for seven days in protest.
In a statement signed by Kayode Babayomi, Oyo AAC Chairman on Friday, the party accused Makinde’s government of seizing land under the guise of corridor extension and selling it to cronies and associates.
The AAC described Makinde’s actions as “deceitful” and “despicable”, noting that the governor had initially assured residents that no houses would be demolished and that only 150 meters of land would be seized.
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Below is the full statement: “Makinde, the land grabber, must stop now!
“We, the African Action Congress (AAC), Oyo State chapter, stand in solidarity with the victims of Makinde’s land-grabbing spree, particularly the residents along the Ibadan Circular Road. We are aware of the PDP-led government’s ulterior motives in seizing more land under the pretense of corridor extension and selling it to their cronies and associates.
“We will march alongside all affected residents and shut down the state for seven days. Makinde should focus on providing affordable housing instead of demolishing with relish, the homes built with pain and struggle by the people.
“Makinde, a blatant liar, initially claimed he wouldn’t seize more than 150 meters and assured that no houses would be demolished. However, months later, he backtracked and claimed he needed an additional 500 meters for the corridors. This deceitful act is despicable, and we will not allow him to get away with it.
“The African Action Congress Oyo chapter is expressing our total support for all corridor victims. We will lead the march to prevent Makinde from taking more land. The people will occupy Ibadan and shutdown all economic activities for seven days. We believe that the power of the people is stronger than those in power.
“We urge the good people of Oyo State and civil society organizations to join this historic march against impunity. The people’s land cannot be seized under the guise of corridor development and sold to cronies. Nowhere in the world does a corridor extend 500 meters to the left and right. We will stand and fight alongside the people.
“We want to make it clear that only the African Action Congress (AAC) has the policies to protect the lives and property of the Nigerian people—not the PDP or APC, who are kleptocrats and will never prioritize the needs of the Nigerian populace. Join us on Monday to demand “No corridor in Ibadan” as we work to shut down the city.”
