The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has welcomed the decision of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to refer complaints over alleged large-scale human rights violations linked to demolitions along the Ibadan Circular Road project to its Oyo State Office for investigation.
RULAAC disclosed this in a press statement issued by its executive director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, dated February 2, 2026, following a petition submitted to the NHRC on November 18, 2025, by residents of six local government areas in Oyo State—Oluyole, Egbeda, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele and Ido—who accused authorities of forced evictions and abuse of power.
According to the organisation, the petition alleges that more than 10,000 residents were forcibly displaced without adequate notice, compensation or resettlement.
It also cited reports of deaths, injuries and psychological trauma arising from the demolitions, as well as the destruction of homes and livelihoods, deepening poverty and social dislocation in the affected communities.
RULAAC further alleged that the road corridor was unlawfully expanded from 75 metres on each side to about 500 metres on each side without a clear legal basis or public consultation.
The group also raised concerns over the reported deployment of armed security personnel during the demolitions, allegedly preventing residents from salvaging their belongings and intimidating those who protested peacefully.
The advocacy group warned that, if proven, the allegations amount to grave violations of fundamental rights, including the rights to life, dignity, property, fair hearing, peaceful assembly and adequate housing, as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Drawing parallels with similar experiences in Lagos State, RULAAC said the Ibadan demolitions reflect a troubling pattern where development projects are enforced through force rather than due process.
It criticised the reported involvement of police and, in some cases, military personnel in providing armed cover for demolitions and suppressing protests.
“Security agencies are constitutionally mandated to protect citizens, not to enforce potentially unlawful evictions or intimidate affected communities,” the organisation stated, warning that such actions undermine public trust and promote governance by force instead of the rule of law.
RULAAC stressed that the primary responsibility for investigating the allegations and preventing further violations rests with the Oyo State Government, particularly the Office of the Governor, the Ministry of Works and relevant land and security authorities.
The group called on the state government to immediately suspend further demolitions along the Ibadan Circular Road corridor, institute a transparent and independent investigation into the allegations, engage affected communities to assess humanitarian impacts, and make the findings public to ensure accountability.
It also demanded fair and adequate compensation, resettlement and livelihood restoration for victims, as well as sanctions for any public officials or security personnel found culpable.
RULAAC concluded that while the NHRC’s intervention is a welcome step, decisive action by the Oyo State Government is urgently needed, insisting that infrastructure development must not be pursued at the expense of human rights, dignity and public trust.
