Concerned Landowners Urge Olubadan to Intervene in Ibadan Circular Road Dispute
Concerned residents and landowners along the Ibadan Circular Road corridor have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), to intervene in what they described as growing confusion, anxiety and loss of confidence surrounding the ongoing road project.
The appeal was contained in an open letter by the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor Residents, signed by the group’s Chairman, Chief Adedeji Hammed Lamolo, and Secretary, Azeez Abass Olaide.
The residents expressed concerns over transparency and fairness in the project’s implementation, particularly regarding a government-constituted stakeholder engagement committee.
They alleged that affected communities were directed to refrain from public engagements on assurances that their concerns would be addressed internally, only for the committee to continue making public statements without feedback to the communities.
They further complained that outcomes of the committee’s engagement with the Olubadan were not communicated to residents, deepening mistrust and uncertainty among those directly affected.
The letter listed four key demands: a return to the original 75-metre acquisition boundary, acquisition of undeveloped land in line with due process, fair and prompt compensation, and respect for existing communities.
Part of the letter reads: “Your Imperial Majesty, this letter is written not out of defiance but out of deep concern and a sincere desire for transparency, equity and peace. While we appreciate the developmental intent of the Circular Road project, the selective flow of information has created anxiety and eroded trust among affected communities whose lives and livelihoods are at stake.”
The residents reaffirmed their support for the project but stressed that its execution must be just, humane and guided by due process.
Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.
