Community Protests in Bariga as Ilaje People Reject Road Renaming, Demand Protection of Cultural Identity and Legacy

 

A wave of discontent swept through the streets of Bariga on Wednesday as residents of Ilaje Road staged a powerful protest against the controversial decision to rename their historic road after legendary musician King Sunny Ade. Chants, placards, and calls for justice filled the air as the community made their stand against what they describe as an attempt to erase their cultural legacy.

Men, women, and youths took to the streets, united in one voice to reject a move they say disregards decades of identity, history, and ancestral pride. Many community members held signs demanding the reinstatement of the original road name, vowing to continue their resistance until their voices are heard.

The decision to rename Ilaje Road was approved by the outgoing chairman of the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), David Kolade Alabi, shortly before the expiration of his tenure. Despite strong pushback from residents at the time, the change was executed without broader community engagement or consent. That unilateral move has now sparked widespread backlash, with locals accusing the former chairman of abusing his position and undermining democratic processes.

High Chief Kayode Ayetiwa, the Baale of Ilaje/Bariga, addressed the demonstrators and provided insight into recent developments. According to him, Bukola Adedeji, the newly sworn-in LCDA chairperson, had reached out before the protest to express concern and promise a possible reversal of the decision. Nevertheless, the protest went ahead as planned, accompanied by the delivery of a formal petition to the council offices.

“Our history is not up for negotiation,” Ayetiwa declared. “Ilaje Road has stood as a symbol of our roots since 1948. No matter how respected King Sunny Ade may be, this community will not allow its name to be replaced without proper consultation and consent.”

The protest letter submitted to the LCDA condemned the renaming as unconstitutional and called attention to the lack of input from local councillors and stakeholders. Community leaders emphasized that decisions impacting a people’s cultural fabric must be made with their active participation, not dictated by departing politicians.

At the forefront of the protest was Raphael Irowanu, President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje, who articulated broader concerns beyond the name change. He argued that the issue reflected a longstanding pattern of marginalisation faced by Ilaje people within Lagos State. With an estimated population of nearly four million in the state, the Ilaje community has deep ancestral ties to Yoruba heritage, which he believes are being undermined by recent political decisions.

“This is more than just a road name,” Irowanu stated. “It represents our presence, our contributions, and our identity. Combined with the demolitions we’re seeing in parts of our community, this renaming feels like another attempt to push us aside.”

Irowanu warned of possible political consequences for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if the grievances of the Ilaje people continue to be ignored. He called on both state and local authorities to recognise the significance of community heritage in governance, adding that public leaders must avoid decisions that divide rather than unite.

While acknowledging that King Sunny Ade is a revered figure who also hails from Ondo State, just like many members of the Ilaje community, both Ayetiwa and Irowanu agreed that the road’s renaming had not fostered goodwill. Instead, they said it had deepened mistrust and ignited a defensive posture within the community.

Protesters displayed messages such as “Respect Our Heritage” and “Ilaje Road Is Not for Sale”, demonstrating their determination to protect what they consider sacred ground. Some residents, visibly emotional, recounted stories passed down through generations tied to the road, its people, and the place they call home.

Calls for justice are growing louder as the community awaits concrete steps from the new LCDA leadership. While Chairperson Bukola Adedeji has shown openness to dialogue, residents are demanding more than just promises. For them, the reversal of the name change is not optional; it is a non-negotiable correction of what they see as an injustice.

As the dust settles from this latest protest, the Bariga LCDA faces a critical choice. Will it stand with its constituents and honour their history, or will it allow political decisions made in haste to widen the gap between government and the governed? The answer may not only shape the future of Ilaje Road but also echo into the political landscape of Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections.