The Ilaje community in Bariga, Lagos, has strongly opposed the renaming of Ilaje Street to “King Sunny Ade Street,” accusing the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of erasing their cultural identity.
Last Friday, former LCDA Chairman David Kolade Alabi announced the renaming of several streets to honour notable Nigerians. The inclusion of Ilaje Street sparked backlash online and offline, with critics citing ethnic insensitivity and disregard for local history.
On Wednesday, community members staged protests, demanding the reversal of the change. They argued the renaming dishonours the historical contributions of the Ilaje people, who they claim were among Lagos State’s founding ethnic groups.
Speaking to PUNCH Metro, Raphael Irowainu, President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, condemned the move as “a calculated attempt to decimate the Ilaje people” and marginalise their place in Lagos.
“The Ilaje were among the first settlers in Lagos, alongside the Awori and Ijebu. We are not strangers; Ilaje is a recognised Yoruba sub-group,” he said. “Bariga was built by our forefathers long before government presence.”
He also pointed to broader concerns, citing demolitions in other Ilaje communities across Lagos—such as Oworonshoki and Majidun—as part of a deliberate pattern of erasure.
Irowainu questioned why King Sunny Ade, a revered music icon from Ondo State, would be honoured in an Ilaje territory, suggesting other suitable locations such as Ondo Street in Ebute Meta.
He added that the LCDA lacks constitutional authority to rename streets, arguing that only the 20 officially recognised local governments hold such power—and only after community consultation.
“If necessary, we will challenge this in court. The LCDA is not even a constitutionally recognised structure,” Irowainu said, confirming that a formal petition has been submitted.
Meanwhile, Alabi defended the decision, claiming it aimed to celebrate figures who brought global attention to Bariga. Attempts to reach the new LCDA chairperson, Bukola Adedeji, for comment were unsuccessful.
