JUST IN: Lagos residents protest renaming of historic road to honour King Sunny Ade

Residents of Ilaje Road in the Bariga area of Lagos have staged a peaceful protest against the decision by the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to rename their historic road after Juju music legend, King Sunny Ade. The demonstration, held on Wednesday, was marked by strong community turnout and widespread condemnation of the council’s move.

Protesters, holding placards and chanting slogans, described the name change as an erasure of their heritage and identity. They argued that the renaming was carried out without proper consultation and disregarded the community’s longstanding history tied to the name “Ilaje Road.”

The controversial decision was reportedly approved by the former LCDA chairman, David Kolade Alabi, in the final days of his tenure, despite earlier objections from residents. His successor, Bukola Adedeji, was said to have reached out to community leaders ahead of the protest, assuring them of a possible reversal.

Speaking during the protest, the Baale of Ilaje/Bariga, High Chief Kayode Ayetiwa, emphasized the cultural importance of the road’s original name, which has existed since 1948. He revealed that although the new LCDA chairperson had promised to revisit the decision, the community felt compelled to take a stand.

“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 declared. The protesters also submitted a formal petition to the council, demanding immediate restoration of the road’s original name.

In the petition, residents described the former chairman’s action as unconstitutional and unilateral, claiming it bypassed due legislative processes and the consent of local councillors. They insisted that any changes affecting community landmarks must involve grassroots engagement.

President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje, Raphael Irowanu, added weight to the protest, accusing authorities of marginalising the Ilaje people. He highlighted that over four million Ilaje indigenes reside in Lagos State and have deep-rooted ancestral ties within the Yoruba socio-political framework.

Irowanu warned that continued disregard for the community’s concerns, including recent demolitions and this latest name change, could have political consequences for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. While acknowledging King Sunny Ade’s contributions to music and his Ondo heritage, he maintained that naming Ilaje Road after him would deepen division rather than promote unity.