Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced a halt to the demolition of houses in six affected Local Government Areas of the state. The affected communities, located in Ido, Akinyele, Egbeda, Ona-Ara, Lagelu, and Oluyole LGAs, had been the focus of protests against the ongoing demolition exercise.

Addressing the protesters at the Government Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, Makinde declared, “No demolition of houses outside the 150 metres (75m right & left). Any house already built outside the 150 metres shall be integrated into the plan.”

The governor’s decision came after days of protests, with residents demanding an end to the demolition of their homes. The protests, which began earlier in the week, saw demonstrators blocking major roads, including Awolowo, Agodi Secretariat, and Queen Elizabeth Road. On Friday, the protests intensified, as residents observed their Jumat prayers on the road, vowing not to listen to any official until Governor Makinde addressed them personally.

Makinde’s statement brings relief to the affected communities, as he confirmed that homes built outside the designated demolition zone would be spared and incorporated into the state’s development plans. The protests highlighted the residents’ pleas for government intervention to protect their properties.

In related developments, Makinde has urged the relevant state officials to stop further demolitions in line with the new directive.