- Ilaje Road Renaming Sparks Protest in Lagos
- LCDA Chairperson appealed for calm and promised to reverse the decision
- Irowanu warned that ignoring their concerns could have political consequences
Residents of Ilaje Road in the Bariga area of Lagos have taken to the streets in protest over the recent decision by the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to rename the road in honour of music icon King Sunny Ade.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the demonstration took place on Wednesday, drew a large number of locals who described the move as a disrespect to their heritage and an attempt to erase their cultural identity.
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The name change was reportedly approved by the former LCDA chairman, David Kolade Alabi, shortly before leaving office, despite earlier objections from the community.
During the protest, the traditional leader of Ilaje and Bariga, High Chief Kayode Ayetiwa, revealed that the newly sworn in LCDA chairperson, Bukola Adedeji, had contacted him before the protest.
She appealed for calm and promised to reverse the decision. However, residents went ahead with the protest and also submitted a formal petition to the council.
Ayetiwa emphasized that Ilaje Road has existed since 1948 and holds deep historical and cultural significance for the people.
“We will not allow the name and legacy of Ilaje Road to be wiped out, regardless of the status of the person the road is being renamed after,” he declared.
In their protest letter, residents described the former chairman’s action as unconstitutional and said it was carried out without input from local councillors.
Raphael Irowanu, President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje, expressed concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of marginalisation. He pointed out that the Ilaje community in Lagos is about four million strong, with firm ancestral ties to Yoruba heritage.
According to him, the renaming of the road, coupled with ongoing demolitions affecting their community, suggests an effort to displace and silence the Ilaje people.
He warned that ignoring their concerns could have political consequences for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Although he acknowledged that King Sunny Ade, like the Ilaje people, is from Ondo State, Irowanu argued that the renaming would only deepen division instead of promoting unity.
Protesters carried placards demanding the return of the road’s original name, insisting that Ilaje Road is a vital part of their history and must remain unchanged.
