By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday reduced the land acquisition for the Ibadan Circular Road project corridor from 500 metres to 150 metres in already developed areas.
The adjustment comes after days of protests by residents affected by the project.
According to WestNG, the announcement was made on Tuesday during a meeting between the National Association of Public Affairs Analysts (NAPAA) and top state officials, including Mrs. Mofoluke Adebiyi, Executive Adviser on New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYNTCDA), and Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary.
Adebiyi, a retired permanent secretary and head of OYNTCDA, explained that the revision was aimed at addressing public concerns without undermining the long-term vision of the Ibadan Circular Road. She added that while the acquisition would be limited to 150 metres in developed areas, the original 500-metre width would still apply in undeveloped sections.
She also clarified that Governor Makinde has not taken any land along the corridor since 2019, countering some media reports. Adebiyi traced the corridor’s history to former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who approved 75 metres on each side in 2005. The late Governor Abiola Ajimobi later expanded it to 425 metres per side in 2017, which was later extended to 500 metres.
“The breadth of that road is one kilometre — 500 metres on either side. The road itself is 60 metres wide, while the remaining 470 metres on each side account for the corridor. But now, government has agreed to concede 150 metres in developed areas. In undeveloped areas, the status quo of 500 metres will apply. In appropriate cases, compensation will be paid,” she said.
Adebiyi also explained the purpose of the Global Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) issued to OYNTCDA, saying it is meant to streamline development and remove encumbrances. Residents within developed areas can still apply for their own C of O, as OYNTCDA maintains overall land ownership for coordinated planning.
Dr. Olanrewaju dismissed claims that portions of the corridor had been given to private developers, emphasising that no such allocations exist. He urged residents to support the project, noting its potential to drive economic growth.
“Let’s not forget that Senator Ladoja paid compensation. What we are facing now in most cases is double compensation. If the government spends billions of naira to build the 110-kilometre road and we miss the opportunity to develop the area, it would be a tragedy for future generations,” he said.
He added: “If you drive from Lekki to Ajah in Lagos, you will see real development on both sides. Those companies didn’t just appear; someone foresaw the future and prepared the land. We want Oyo State to experience that same growth.”