Oyo Govt halts demolition of properties along Ibadan circular road after protests

September 21, 2024

The Oyo State Government has halted the demolition of properties beyond 150 meters along the Ibadan Circular Road project corridor, following protests from affected property owners.

Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, issued the directive on Friday, instructing officials to cease marking structures within the specified area.

The decision comes after property owners staged peaceful protests since Wednesday, expressing concerns over the demolition of their homes and businesses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that property owners on the circular road corridor whose houses had been demolished or marked for demolition had been staging peaceful protests since Wednesday.

The Ibadan Circular Road project, a 110km highway, aims to ease traffic congestion and promote economic growth in the region. However, its construction has affected several communities, with around 500 houses demolished and 12 villages impacted.

Residents had been given notices to vacate the marked structures, but some claim they were not adequately compensated or informed about the demolition. Community leaders have expressed disappointment in Governor Seyi Makinde, citing broken promises regarding compensation and alternative housing.