Counter-protest in Sango over planned further demolition

The protesters | credits: Segun Olatunji

Barely 48 hours after some residents along the Sango-Ijoko-Akute-Alagbole-Ojodu Road staged a demonstration against the planned further demolition of structures in the area by the state government, some other people of the area on Thursday carried out a counter-protest.

The counter-protesters, including those claiming to be the original inhabitants of the area, scores of market men and women, members of some unions and other interest groups, declared their support for the ongoing expansion of the road by the Ibikunle Amosun-led administration in the state.

The state government had on Wednesday in a statement shelved its earlier plans to further extend the initial limit of the road and demolish houses and shops by additional eight metres following Tuesdays protest.

But the indigenes disowned those involved in the Tuesday protest, saying they were not residents of the area.

Bearing placards with various inscriptions such as, We are authentic indigenes of Sango-Ijoko, we support Amosun, Amosun more

blessing; more grace, and Sango community is for Amosun, the protesters chanted various solidarity songs.

Addressing the protesters, the Babaloja of Sango, Sakiru Olasege, said traders in the area were in support of the planned further demolition.

Olasege added that the expansion of the road was long overdue, saying, We appreciate the governor for giving us this type of development that we have been waiting for since 10 years ago. That is why we are here to counter the previous information given to the government on Tuesday.

The Iyaloja of Sango, Alhaja Saudat Balogun, urged the government to go ahead with the further demolition if necessary.

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Counter-protest in Sango over planned further demolition