The Oyo State chapter of the African Action Congress, AAC, has condemned Governor Seyi Makinde over what it described as a “land-grabbing spree” targeting residents along the Ibadan Circular Road.
In a strongly worded press statement signed by its chairman, Kayode Babayomi, the party accused the PDP-led administration of forcefully taking more land from citizens under the guise of corridor expansion, only to sell it to cronies and political associates, “We stand in solidarity with the victims of Makinde’s land-grabbing spree. The government’s ulterior motive is clear, seizing more land under the pretense of corridor extension and selling it off to cronies,” the statement read.
The AAC announced that it would lead a seven-day protest in solidarity with affected residents, vowing to shut down Ibadan and all major economic activities in the state capital.
The protest, according to Mr. Babayomi, aims to resist the government’s attempt to displace citizens who have built homes through years of hard work and sacrifice.
The statement also accused Governor Makinde of dishonesty, claiming he had initially promised not to seize more than 150 meters of land and assured residents that no houses would be demolished. However, the party said the governor later reneged on his word by extending the corridor by an additional 500 meters.
“Makinde, a blatant liar, initially claimed he wouldn’t seize more than 150 meters. Months later, he backtracked and demanded 500 more meters. This deceitful act is despicable, and we will not allow him to get away with it,” the AAC said.
The AAC Oyo chapter called on residents and civil society organizations to join the upcoming mass action, emphasizing that the people’s land cannot be taken in the name of development and sold to the elite, “Nowhere in the world does a corridor extend 500 meters to the left and right. The people’s land cannot be seized under the guise of development. We will stand and fight alongside the people,” Babayomi declared.
Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of citizens’ rights, the AAC insisted that it remains the only political party with genuine policies for the welfare of Nigerians. It dismissed both the PDP and APC as parties of kleptocrats who have consistently betrayed the people.
The protest, tagged “No Corridor in Ibadan”, is expected to begin on Monday, with participants occupying major parts of the city in resistance against what the AAC described as “Makinde’s tyranny and impunity.”
