Property and land owners along the 110-kilometre Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road corridor in Oyo State have issued a strong appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde, citing ongoing distress, inadequate compensation, and continued marking of buildings for demolition despite government directives to limit expansion in densely populated areas.
In a detailed submission addressed to the governor and the Oyo State Government, residents expressed concern that survey markings are still being carried out on properties in communities such as Idigbaro, Abudu, and Sonso in Ido Local Government Area, even after official pronouncements restricting boundary expansion to 150 metres in built-up zones.
While acknowledging what they described as commendable and humane concessions by Governor Makinde, as well as engagement forums facilitated by the Oyo State New Towns Development Authority (OYNTCDA), the affected owners said the assurances have not translated into meaningful protection on the ground.
According to the group, the continued marking of homes and farmlands has created renewed anxiety, preventing property owners from selling, developing, or fully utilizing their land. They argue that the fear of eviction remains widespread and has disrupted normal economic and social life in affected communities.
The group also criticized the compensation process, describing payments as grossly inadequate compared to current market values. They cited instances where homeowners allegedly received as little as ₦456,000 for properties valued at tens of millions of naira. They further claimed that between ₦600 million and ₦800 million has been disbursed so far, covering only a fraction of affected claimants.
Residents questioned the scope of land acquisition for the project, arguing that the original 150-metre right-of-way in densely populated areas is already excessive. They expressed particular concern over proposals that would extend the corridor by up to an additional 425 metres on each side, describing such measures as disproportionate when compared to federal highway standards, which typically require 45 to 60 metres total right-of-way.
Beyond economic losses, the group highlighted the human toll of the project. Families reportedly live in daily fear of displacement, farmers have lost generational land, and small businesses have suffered disruptions. They also stated that stress related to demolition threats has contributed to serious health challenges among elderly and vulnerable residents, with some reported deaths linked to the anxiety surrounding the project.
Thousands of residents, they warned, face the risk of homelessness and loss of livelihood without any clear relocation framework or social safety support.
In their submission, the property owners called for a universal reduction of the right-of-way to 30 metres on each side of the road, totaling 60 metres. They demanded immediate and full compensation based on independent market valuations, including top-up payments for previously under-compensated property owners. They also urged the government to provide accessible relocation land with basic infrastructure for displaced families, as well as humanitarian and medical support for vulnerable residents.
Additionally, the group requested an immediate halt to all property markings beyond agreed limits and called for assurances that private lands would not be transferred to contractors or developers. They urged the state government to publicly release the Ibadan Master Plan, legally gazette any promised reductions in corridor width, clarify the mandate of OYNTCDA, and conduct independent audits to ensure compliance with the Land Use Act, federal standards, and international best practices.
The group expressed willingness to continue dialogue through the state’s Circular Road Committee but emphasized the need for urgent, binding resolutions to restore public trust and ensure that the infrastructure project is implemented in a manner that protects affected communities.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government had not issued an official response to the latest concerns raised by the property owners.
