By Feyisetan Hamzat | Benny News Hub
Residents along the Ibadan Circular Road corridor yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the State Secretariat gate, appealing to Governor Seyi Makinde to disembark from his official vehicle and personally oversee the compensation process before any further demolitions take place.
The issue centers on the planned expansion of the corridor’s right-of-way. Many residents say the government is attempting to extend the setback from 150 metres, the originally gazetted right-of-way under past administrations, to 500 metres—a change they maintain was not properly communicated.
According to affected property owners, numerous buildings have already been marked for demolition under the expanded boundary. Some claim they received little or no notice; others say the emotional and economic toll has been heavy.
In their placards and chants, residents reminded the government that many of them built their homes legally, obtained titles or satisfactory allotments, and did not encroach upon any purported acquisition zone. They insist that they deserve due process, fair compensation, and clarity.
During past engagements, Governor Makinde assured the public that demolition would be halted in densely populated areas. He also promised that structures already standing between the 150-500 metre zone would be accommodated.
The residents’ demands include:
Immediate compensation for those whose properties are marked
Transparent communication about how far the corridor will extend
Reversion to or respect for the originally gazetted 150-metre setback
Legal titles formalization for property owners to prevent future ambiguity
The matter remains sensitive as many families fear losing their homes and livelihoods. As one resident noted, “The 150 metres already marked have displaced many. Going beyond that would be unbearable.”
At Benny News Hub, we join the calls for fairness — especially in projects meant for public good. Development should not come at the expense of people’s peace, property, and dignity.
