Protest Erupts In Ibadan Over Planned Demolition

Unrest is brewing in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State as residents of over 1,000 homes facing demolition take to the streets.

The uproar stems from the state government’s plan to tear down houses along both sides of the Circular Road project, igniting a clash between urban development goals and the rights of affected communities.

The protest, a peaceful display gaining media attention and sparking public debate, sheds light on the deep-seated tensions between development initiatives and the well-being of residents. Previous demolitions of over 600 houses in the Ona Ara Local Government area serve as a precursor to a broader campaign threatening displacement for thousands.

While the Circular Road project aims to improve transportation and connectivity in Ibadan, its execution triggers controversy. Concerns arise regarding the lack of prior notice to residents and the extensive scope of the demolitions, impacting twelve communities across Ona Ara and Oluyole Local Governments.

Protesters, representing diverse segments of the community, voice their grievances through placards and demonstrations. Slogans like “No to 500m Corridor Circular road” and “We have been rendered homeless” underscore the profound disruptions to their lives. Many also express frustration over receiving counterfeit land documents from government officials, compounding their legal and emotional distress.

Despite previous assurances from Governor Seyi Makinde, including engagements with affected communities, the demolitions proceed unabated, fueling further anger among residents. In response, the state Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, pledges enumeration and compensation for houses within the Circular Road corridor, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil.

However, questions linger about the criteria for compensation, the adequacy of proposed amounts, and the timeline for these processes, highlighting the complexity of addressing the grievances of displaced residents amidst ongoing urban development initiatives.

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