URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AND THE RECONFIGURATION OF PUBLIC SPACE

Cities across the world are experiencing profound spatial, socio-economic transformations in diverse ramifications since the advent of 19ᵗʰ century.

URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AND THE RECONFIGURATION OF PUBLIC
SPACE IN IBADAN, NIGERIA
AKANMU Ayobami Ademola, PhD¹, SALISU, Umar Obafemi, PhD², FASINA, Simeon
Olumwagbenga, PhD³ & SANNI, Sekinat Motunrayo⁴

¹Department of Transport Planning and Management, The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic,
Saki, Nigeria
²Department of Transport Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University,
Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria
³Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Olabisi Onabanjo University,
Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria
⁴Department of Transport Planning and Management, The Polytechnic, Ibadan,
Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This chapter examines the dynamics of urban redevelopment and the reconfiguration of public space identity in Ibadan, Nigeria, within the broader context of modernization, urban growth, and socio-cultural transformation. Drawing on historical, conceptual, and contemporary perspectives, the chapter shows how redevelopment initiatives, ranging from road dualization, junction improvement, modern transport terminals, market upgrading, and leisure-space revitalization are reshaping the city’s spatial form and altering long-standing patterns of public space use. Ibadan’s public spaces, historically rooted in Yoruba cultural practices, informal economic activities, and communal social life, are increasingly being formalized, commercialized, and regulated. The chapter argues that these interventions, while improving aesthetics, mobility, and urban functionality, also pose significant challenges including displacement of informal actors, erosion of cultural landscapes, reduced inclusivity, and loss of collective memory. Through an analysis of historical evolution, conceptual debates on place identity, spatial justice, informality, and place-making, and a review of recent redevelopment projects, the chapter demonstrates that public space identity in Ibadan is being renegotiated at the intersection of modernization pressures and cultural continuity. It concludes that achieving sustainable redevelopment requires integrating heritage preservation, participatory governance, inclusive mobility planning, and equitable access to public spaces to maintain the city’s socio-cultural distinctiveness amidst contemporary transformation.

Keywords:

Urban Redevelopment, Public Space Identity, Modernization, Informality and Ibadan.