Lagos Residents Protest Renaming Of Ilaje Road To King Sunny Ade Road
There was tension in Bariga, Lagos, on Wednesday as residents of Ilaje Road took to the streets to protest the renaming of their road after music legend, King Sunny Ade.
The residents said the move by the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) was an attempt to wipe out their history and identity.
It was learnt that the decision to rename the road was approved by the immediate past LCDA chairman, David Kolade Alabi, just before leaving office, despite strong objections from the community.
Speaking during the protest, the Baale of Ilaje/Bariga, High Chief Kayode Ayetiwa, said the new council chairperson, Bukola Adedeji, had called him to plead for patience and promised to reverse the decision, but the community still went ahead with the protest and submitted a petition.
“The name Ilaje Road has been there since 1948. We will not allow the legacy and name of Ilaje Road to be erased, no matter how prominent the individual chosen for the renaming may be,” Ayetiwa said.
President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje, Raphael Irowanu, also kicked against the renaming, saying it was part of a pattern of marginalisation.
According to him, the Ilaje people in Lagos are about four million with strong ancestral ties to Yoruba history, and the road change, coupled with ongoing demolitions, looks like an attempt to displace them.
He warned that the continued disregard for their concerns could cost the All Progressives Congress (APC) votes in the 2027 elections.
Protesters displayed placards calling for the immediate restoration of the road’s original name, insisting Ilaje Road is a vital part of their history.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
