Oyo State, the heart of Nigeria’s South-West, has become a centre of growing civil unrest as residents take to the streets over two major but separate concerns: the economic hardship affecting the entire country and local tensions surrounding the Ibadan Circular Road project. Together, these issues reflect the deeper infrastructural and socio-economic pressures facing the state.
Protests Over the Ibadan Circular Road Demolitions
In Ibadan, property owners from six local government areas affected by the ongoing road project have staged protests at the Oyo State Secretariat. Their main demand is for the government to halt planned demolitions and comply strictly with the initially approved 150-meter corridor for the construction. Residents argue that the newly proposed expansion threatens homes, land, and entire communities.
Governor Seyi Makinde has responded by alleging that the sustained protests are politically motivated and sponsored by individuals attempting to destabilize his administration. While the government maintains that the Circular Road is essential for economic growth, many residents remain unconvinced, accusing the authorities of land grabbing. The rising tension has led to heavy police presence around protest locations.
Rising Cost of Living Sparks Wider Demonstrations
Beyond the local conflict over demolitions, Oyo residents have joined nationwide protests against the soaring cost of living. The effects of petrol subsidy removal and Naira devaluation have driven up prices of food and essential goods, causing widespread hardship.
In areas such as Mokola, demonstrators carried placards with messages like “End food hike and inflation” and “The poor is starving,” expressing frustration with policies they believe have deepened poverty. These rallies mirror similar protests occurring nationwide as Nigerians react to worsening economic conditions.
A State Caught Between Development and Survival
The unrest in Oyo State highlights Nigeria’s broader challenges: a population grappling with economic crisis while resisting controversial development policies. The state government faces the urgent task of balancing infrastructural progress with citizens’ property rights and economic wellbeing.
To reduce tension, analysts and community leaders are calling for open dialogue, transparency, and genuine engagement with affected residents and vulnerable groups struggling with inflation. Without sustained communication and responsive governance, the situation in Ibadan may continue to worsen.
What's Your Reaction?
Leave your vote
