Makinde Reduces Ibadan Circular Road Acquisition to 150m in Ologuneru After Community Outcry

The Oyo State government has moved to ease tensions in Ido Local Government after Governor Seyi Makinde approved a major adjustment to the Ibadan Circular Road project, restricting the acquisition corridor to 150 metres within the densely populated Ologuneru community.

The decision marks a significant shift from the earlier 500-metre right-of-way that had triggered widespread fears of mass demolitions across several developed neighbourhoods.

Makinde, during a visit to Ologuneru, assured residents that all demolition markings extending beyond the revised 150-metre limit were invalid. He directed that such markings be removed immediately and emphasized that no property outside the agreed corridor would be affected.

The governor also instructed that all land and compensation matters be handled directly with the state’s urban development authorities to prevent misinformation and exploitation.

A 10-member committee—comprising community leaders and government representatives—was inaugurated to manage grievances, verification, and compensation processes.

The revision followed weeks of protests by property owners across as many as six LGAs, who insisted that the original expansion plan threatened thousands of homes, shops, and long-established communities. Residents argued that applying a wide corridor in already developed urban areas was unfair and economically devastating.

The government’s latest decision now limits the 150-metre boundary to built-up areas like Ologuneru, while maintaining the broader 500-metre acquisition zone only in undeveloped sections of the project route.

Officials say the adjustment strikes a balance between completing the strategic infrastructure project and protecting the rights and livelihoods of residents who have occupied the area for decades.

The Ibadan Circular Road—designed to ease congestion and connect major entry and exit points of the city—remains one of the state’s largest ongoing infrastructure investments.

With the new resolution, affected communities expect clearer communication as the government proceeds with verification and compensation, while residents in Ologuneru breathe a sigh of relief knowing their homes now lie outside the demolition zone.