The Ilaje community in Bariga, Lagos State, has strongly opposed the renaming of Ilaje Street after music legend King Sunny Ade, describing the move by the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) as an attempt to erase their historical identity.
The decision, announced last Friday by the immediate past council chairman, David Kolade Alabi, has sparked protests and accusations of ethnic bias.
Residents of the Ilaje community took to the streets on Wednesday, demanding a reversal of the name change, which they argue disregards their cultural heritage.
Raphael Irowainu, President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, condemned the action as a deliberate effort to marginalise the Ilaje people in Lagos.
He stated that Bariga was founded by Ilaje settlers in 1948 and that the street was originally constructed by their ancestors before the government’s intervention.
Irowainu further alleged a pattern of discrimination against Ilaje communities in Lagos, citing recent demolitions in Oworonshoki and Majidun.
He questioned why Ondo Street in Ebute Meta was not chosen for renaming if the council truly intended to honour King Sunny Ade, who hails from Ondo State.
The community has already submitted a petition against the decision and is prepared to pursue legal action, arguing that LCDAs lack the constitutional authority to rename streets without proper consultation.
The former council chairman defended the renaming as a tribute to individuals who have brought global recognition to Bariga.
However, the current LCDA chairperson, Bukola Adedeji, could not be reached for comment on whether the council would reconsider its decision.
