Concerned residents of the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor have written an open letter to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, expressing their growing anxiety and loss of confidence over the ongoing construction of the Ibadan Circular Road project.
In the letter, the concerned landowners, represented by Chief Adedeji Hammed Lamolo and Azeez Abass Olaide, Chairman and Secretary of the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor Residents, respectively, appealed to the Olubadan to intervene in the matter, citing concerns over transparency, equity, and fairness in the project’s implementation.
The residents expressed disappointment over the committee constituted by the government to engage stakeholders on the project, alleging that they were directed to desist from public engagements, only for the committee to continue making public communications and media appearances.
The letter highlighted four key requests to the government, including reverting to the original 75-metres acquisition boundary, acquiring undeveloped land with due process, fair and prompt compensation for affected residents, and respect for existing communities.
They appealed that Oba Ladoja, known for his commitment to justice and fairness, should intervene in the matter, expressing confidence in his wisdom and guidance to ensure a peaceful and equitable resolution.
The circular road project has been a subject of controversy, with residents expressing concerns over the impact on their lives, properties, and livelihoods.
The letter is captioned: “An Open Letter to His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Senator) Abdul Rasheed Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja ARUSA I, The Olubadan of Ibadanland”
The letter reads in part: “We write this open letter with utmost humility, reverence and loyalty to the revered throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland which has from time immemorial, symbolised justice, fairness and the collective conscience of the Ibadan people.
“Your Imperial Majesty Sir, this letter is borne not out of defiance but out of deep concern and a sincere desire for transparency, equity and peace regarding the ongoing construction of the Ibadan Circular Road Project and the management of its corridor.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the developmental intent of the project and recognise the role of government in pursuing infrastructure that promotes growth and connectivity. However, we are compelled to respectfully bring to Your Majesty’s attention the growing anxiety, confusion and loss of confidence across the 6 local governments areas in relation to the committee constituted by the government to engage stakeholders on this project.
“Kabiyesi, We were expressly directed by the said committee and its leadership to desist from public engagements particularly from airing concerns on radio platforms or through online media on the assurance that issues raised would be adequately and timely addressed through internal consultations and transparent dialogue. In good faith, We complied with this directive.
“Regrettably, while the affected people were asked to remain silent, the same committee has continued to engage in public communications and media appearances which is making the masses see us as trangressors not knowing that the Government is just trying to illegally acquire our lands and distabilize our well being. More troubling is the fact that the reported outcome of the committee’s meeting with Your Imperial Majesty was neither communicated nor disclosed to the affected communities whose lives, properties and livelihoods stand directly impacted by the project.
“This selective flow of information has created a widening trust deficit as it has left many stakeholders feel excluded, unheard and increasingly uncertain about the true intentions, processes and safeguards surrounding the project corridor. Confidence in the committee’s leadership and sincerity is sadly fast eroding.
“Kabiyesi, it is our firm belief that no development initiative can achieve lasting success where transparency is lacking and where the voices of the people are muted rather than meaningfully engaged. Silence imposed without accountability breeds suspicion and not cooperation.
“We therefore most respectfully appeal to Your Imperial Majesty as the father of all Ibadan people and the ultimate moral authority in the land to kindly intervene by: Encouraging full disclosure of engagements and outcomes relating to the project corridor; Ensuring that affected communities are properly informed, consulted and carried along; and Restoring confidence through a fair, open and people centred approach to the project’s implementation”.
In the letter, the concerned landowners also made some requests to Governor Seyi Makinde through the Olubadan.
“Our Requests to Our able Governor, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde through the Committee are as follows: Revert to the Original 75 Metres on Both Sides.
“We call on the government to honour the original 75-metres either way from the midpoint which was legally acquired during the administration of His Excellency, Senator Rasheed Ladoja in 2006. That acquisition was clearly defined, gazetted and recognized by subsequent administrations. Expanding beyond this boundary may constitute overreach, violate due process and expose the government to avoidable litigations and public distrust.
“Acquire Undeveloped Land With Due Process. If additional land is genuinely required for industrial or economic development, the state government should focus on acquiring undeveloped land where no prior settlements would be unjustly displaced and in a just manner. This approach not only upholds justice but also reduces the financial burden of compensation and minimizes social disruption.
“Fair and Prompt Compensation. Compensation to those on the right of way must be paid before any demolition activity to avoid rendering families homelessness. Those whose homes were previously demolished without adequate compensation must also be revisited in line with the principles of fairness and administrative responsibility.
“Respect for Existing Communities. Longstanding communities within the original corridor should remain intact. Their properties should not be placed under new or expanded acquisition. Residents must also be allowed to obtain land documents (such as C of O, R of O and building approvals) without harassment or bureaucratic obstruction”, they demanded.
The concerned residents of Ibadan Circular Road, however, reaffirmed their readiness to stand with the State Government for the success of the Circular Road project—an initiative they said is dearly needed for the growth and modernization of Oyo State.
They pleaded that the implementation of such a laudable project must be just, humane and guided by due process.
