Thousands of residents from over 1,000 communities across six local government areas in Ibadan have appealed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to reconsider the planned 500-metre expansion of the Ibadan Circular Road corridor, urging a return to the originally designated 150-metre boundary.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by the Coordinator of the Ibadan Circular Road Communities Representatives (ICRCR), Mr. Niyi Fasoye, and the Secretary, Mr. Isiaq Jimoh, the residents lamented that the road project had caused trauma, displacement, and even led to the untimely deaths of several landlords and landladies.

The statement noted that while the road is a laudable development project, the continued expansion of the corridor without due consideration for residents’ existing property rights has left thousands at risk of losing their homes and investments.

They pleaded: “We know our governor has listening ears. We want him to assist us. We have no other place to go. We laboured so hard before we put these buildings in place.”

The communities, located in Oluyole, Egbeda, Ona-Ara, Lagelu, Akinyele, and Ido local government areas, are home to over 10,000 houses and commercial structures, many of which are already impacted by the existing road plan.

The residents emphasised that the original 150-metre acquisition boundary, recognised by past administrations, should be respected. They alleged that new boundary pillars are now being installed at a 500-metre mark, which they say is unjustified and causing undue panic.

Among the affected communities are Egbeda Tuber, Tech U, and Ajota in Oluyole LG; Ejioku, Eni Osa, Arulogun, Abaoba, Kotilo, and others in Lagelu LG; Ayede and Erunmu in Egbeda LG; Ajia, Arowojeka, Badeku, and more in Ona-Ara LG; Aroro Kole, Molarere, and others in Akinyele LG; and several areas, including Omi-Adio, Elenusonso, and Agbeni in Ido LG.

The residents also appealed to the government to enable them to process legal titles for their properties through the Ministry of Lands and to halt the ongoing marking and demolition threats.

They maintained: “Our prayer is that since all of us did not encroach or buy government acquisition land, the state government should please maintain the properly acquired 150 metres. The government should please stop installing pillars on the boundaries of 500 metres to fault us.”

The Ibadan Circular Road project, first conceptualised under former Governor Rashidi Ladoja (2003–2007) and eventually executed by the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, is being continued by the Makinde administration as part of its infrastructure drive.