A peaceful protest organised by members of the Akoko-Edo Development Association (AEDA), also known as the Akoko-Edo Forum, was on Tuesday disrupted by a pro-President Bola Tinubu rally in Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The protesters had gathered at Market Junction with plans to march to the council secretariat to voice concerns over insecurity and what they described as the area’s marginalisation in the allocation of development projects.
The demonstration was, however, cut short when another group carrying pro-Tinubu banners arrived at the same location and began a political rally. To prevent a possible confrontation, security operatives advised AEDA members to suspend their protest.
Speaking to journalists, the Worldwide Chairman of the forum, Dr. Charles Jagun, said the protest was intended to highlight years of neglect by successive administrations, as well as concerns over representation at both state and federal levels.
Jagun pointed to ongoing security challenges in the area, stressing that Akoko-Edo’s position as a border region should attract greater development.
“The local government shares boundaries with the North and the West, which should place it at a strategic advantage. Instead, insecurity is a major concern, while critical roads, including the federal road linking Auchi to Igarra through Ibillo, remain in poor condition,” he said.
He also urged elected representatives to step up efforts in addressing key issues affecting the constituency, including infrastructure gaps and insecurity.
“We need improved representation and attention to the needs of our people. All we are saying is that Akoko-Edo must change,” he added.
Also speaking, a member of the forum, Dr. Dele Yaya, acknowledged development in other parts of Edo State but said residents of Akoko-Edo were calling for similar attention.
Reacting, the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Topa Okomayin, said the rally was organised by a group of youths and that the council was unaware of the planned protest. He explained that both groups coincidentally converged at the same location.
