Lessons from Ibadan circular road dispute

ONE critical aspect of the construction process that has been grossly overlooked, now clearly exposed by the ongoing setback controversies surrounding the Ibadan Circular Road, is the failure to secure proper government approval before commencing any project. Many individuals and developers have neglected this foundational stage of planning, inadvertently placing themselves at the mercy of government actions. The issue goes beyond physical development; it is a matter of compliance, foresight, and respect for due process.

In accordance with the Urban and Regional Planning Act No. 88 of 1992 (now Cap U8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004), every developer is legally required to obtain development and building permits before commencing any form of construction or alteration. The law empowers physical planning authorities at federal, state, and local levels to regulate land use, ensure safety standards, and preserve the rights of adjoining property owners. Likewise, the Oyo State Physical Planning and Urban Development Law 2012 (as amended) reiterates that any structure erected without valid approval constitutes a contravention subject to demolition, fines, or forfeiture.

Obtaining necessary approvals should therefore no longer be viewed as a bureaucratic obstacle, but as the first and most essential step in protecting one’s investment and ensuring orderly urban growth. Building without approval not only violates planning laws but also undermines the sustainability of the cityscape, often leading to encroachments, unsafe setbacks, and conflicts such as those now witnessed along the Ibadan Circular Road corridor.

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While I do not speak for either the government or those whose properties and livelihoods may be affected, it is imperative that professional bodies, such as the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), intensify advocacy and public enlightenment. Likewise, regulatory agencies like the Oyo State Bureau of Physical Planning and Development Control (OSBPPDC) must strengthen enforcement not merely as a reactive tool but as a preventive mechanism. Public sensitisation and technical support should come before people invest heavily, ensuring they build within the framework of legality and safety. Sustainable development can only thrive when regulation is proactive, not punitive.

Unfortunately, the Ibadan setback issue is increasingly being wielded as a political tool rather than treated as a developmental concern. Instead of addressing the technical realities and human implications, the conversation has been reduced to partisan sentiments and blame games. This politicisation distracts from genuine solutions, such as identifying policy weaknesses, harmonising data on land acquisitions, and establishing fair mechanisms for compensation where government action affects pre-existing settlements.

What Ibadan needs now is not political posturing but constructive dialogue, a coordinated effort among policymakers, professionals, and community representatives to craft solutions that balance public interest with private rights. This approach aligns with the National Building Code (NBC 2006, revised 2018), which underscores stakeholder participation in urban development processes and emphasises the principle of “sustainable human settlement”. As the debate around the Ibadan Circular Road setback intensifies, it is important that all sides return to the basics: planning before building, dialogue before demolition, and law before sentiment. Only through such collaboration can we ensure that urban growth in Oyo State, and indeed across Nigeria, is both lawful and compassionate, safeguarding the present without compromising the future.

•Animasaun is an architect and social change advocate