Property Demolitions in Ibadan Spark Controversy as Opposition Calls for Restraint
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued an urgent appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde to suspend the ongoing demolition of properties in Ibadan, warning of potential public unrest if the action continues.
The demolitions, linked to the Ibadan Circular Road Project, have triggered widespread concern as thousands of families face displacement along the planned 110-kilometer route. The government’s decision to maintain a 500-meter setback on both sides of the road has particularly drawn criticism.
In a statement released by APC Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, the opposition party challenged the administration’s justification for encroaching on Federal Government facilities and properties in Ibadan and Saki. Sadare highlighted the growing distress among affected residents, noting that some property owners have reportedly died from shock and disappointment over the demolitions.
The controversy centers around the state government’s acquisition of approximately 500,000 plots of land, which critics argue is excessive for the road project. The APC has proposed reducing the road corridor to 100 meters on each side as a compromise solution to minimize displacement.
“The lamentations coming from the victims of the ongoing demolition of citizens’ properties along the road stretch anticipated for the Ibadan Circular Road Project are so deafening that no sensitive government should ignore,” Sadare stated in his release.
The opposition party warned that the situation could escalate if left unaddressed, suggesting that affected traders and business owners from various markets in Ibadan, who have previously faced similar challenges during the administration’s six-year tenure, might join in potential protests.
The APC emphasized that their call for immediate action stems from a desire to maintain peace and stability in the state, urging Governor Makinde to address the situation promptly to prevent what they describe as an “imminent revolt” against his administration.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between urban development goals and the rights of property owners in one of Nigeria’s largest cities, as the government attempts to implement significant infrastructure projects while managing public resistance to forced relocations.
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