—Fresh Facts Magazine
Lagos, Nigeria — Tension is brewing in the Bariga area of Lagos State as residents of Ilaje Road have strongly opposed the recent renaming of the street to King Sunny Ade Road by the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The protest, held on Wednesday, saw scores of indigenes and residents voicing their displeasure and demanding an immediate reversal of the decision.
The controversial renaming was carried out by the immediate past Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. David Kolade Alabi, just days before the end of his tenure. It sparked widespread outrage among members of the Ilaje community, who consider the move a blatant disregard for their cultural identity and historical heritage.
Leading the protest was the Baale of Ilaje/Bariga Community, High Chief Kayode Ayetiwa, who declared the renaming as “unacceptable and unconstitutional.” According to the traditional ruler, the newly inaugurated Chairperson of the LCDA, Bukola Adedeji, has already reached out with assurances that the decision would be reconsidered.
“The new chairperson called me and appealed for calm, saying she does not want to be welcomed with protests. She promised to reverse the decision. However, we made it clear that the protest must go on, and we are submitting a protest letter to formally express our grievances,” said Ayetiwa.
In a protest letter jointly signed by High Chief Ayetiwa and other community leaders, the residents accused the former chairman of breaching due process, stating that the action lacked the legislative backing of the LCDA councillors. The letter read in part:
“The entire Ilaje community, Bariga, Lagos, hereby tender our unreserved peaceful protest against the announcement by the outgone Chairman of Bariga LCDA, David Kolade Alabi, who acted unconstitutionally and without legislative endorsement.”
The residents emphasized that Ilaje Road is not just a street name but a “communal milestone” that predates modern developments in the area. Established in 1948, the community maintains that the name “Ilaje Road” is deeply rooted in their cultural and historical identity.
Speaking during the demonstration, Mr. Raphael Irowanu, President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje, warned that the decision could have political ramifications in the 2027 general elections. He alleged a deliberate attempt to erase Ilaje identity in Lagos State.
“We are original Yorubas, descendants of Oduduwa. The Ilaje people are part of the fabric of Lagos, with a population of over four million. The demolition of our settlements and now the renaming of our road is an orchestrated plan to erase our identity,” Irowanu stated.
He also pointed out the irony in renaming the road after King Sunny Ade, a renowned juju musician who, like the Ilaje people, hails from Ondo State. According to Irowanu, this connection is being misused to justify the name change.
“This move is not in the interest of the Ilaje people. It is politically motivated and will backfire on the All Progressives Congress (APC) if not corrected,” he warned.
Protesters displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Ilaje Road, Our History, Our Identity,” “We Deserve Better Treatment,” and “We Ilajes Say NO to Renaming.” The protest remained peaceful but firm in its demand for justice and recognition.
As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the new LCDA Chairperson, Bukola Adedeji, to see if she will act swiftly to restore the community’s cherished road name and douse the growing unrest.
