BREAKING: Oyo Residents, AAC Members Storm State Secretariat To Protest Ongoing Demolition Of Houses By Makinde Govt

Residents of Oyo State, alongside members of the African Action Congress (AAC), have launched a large protest in Ibadan against the ongoing demolition of homes by the government led by Seyi Makinde. The protest was sparked by the demolition exercise that has reportedly resulted in numerous deaths and left thousands homeless.Demonstrators gathered at the state government secretariat, chanting “No more corridor” to express their opposition to the government’s plans to construct a corridor road, which they argue comes at the expense of their homes and livelihoods. Last week, affected residents had also protested on major roads and at the secretariat, demanding an end to the demolition activities.During a press conference, residents claimed that the demolition efforts have led to the deaths of many people and displaced over 300,000 individuals. The government aims to acquire land for the Ibadan Circular Roads Project, but this initiative has faced significant backlash for being excessive and inhumane.Protesters called for intervention from the Oyo State House of Assembly, the Olubadan of Ibadan, and other stakeholders to hold the governor accountable. They urged the government to adhere to the original Circular Road plan and halt the demolitions.The residents and AAC members have raised concerns that the land acquisition is primarily for the benefit of the governor and his associates, rather than for public infrastructure. Their demands were supported by a statement from affected residents across six of Ibadan’s eleven local government areas, emphasizing the widespread discontent regarding the demolitions.