By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Residents affected by the ongoing construction of the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road in Ibadan, Oyo State, have taken to the streets to protest what they claim are plans by the state government to acquire additional land for the project.
The demonstrations have led to the blockage of major routes, including Iwo Road at the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway junction, resulting in severe traffic congestion across the area.
Protesters with banner at the scene
According to The Punch, the protesters come from Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda Local Government Areas.
One of the demonstrators, Akeem Olaiya, said, “We are law-abiding citizens. You can see that our protest is peaceful. What we need is very simple: for the state government to maintain the 150 metres already marked by former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, now the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
Protesters block key roads, including Iwo Road at the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway junction
The concept of the Ibadan Circular Road was first introduced during Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s tenure as governor between 2003 and 2007.