Family legacy under threat as Ikeja authorities accused of fraud in street renaming controversy

September 08, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

Ikeja authorities have been accused of deceptive act as controversy erupt over the alleged fraudulent renaming of Olu Akerele Street, off Awolowo Way, after one Adolphus Davies.

The family of the original namesake, Olu Akerele, has petitioned the Government, seeking an investigation into the matter.

According to the family, the street has borne their patriarch’s name since the early 1970s.

However, they claim that Adolphus Davies, in collusion with some staff at Ikeja Local Government, has manipulated the system to have the street renamed after himself.

The family has appealed to the authorities to intervene, saying: “How on earth could one Adolphus Davies apply to have the street named after him, when it has been in existence and named after our father for decades?”

The incident has raised questions about the integrity of the street naming process in Lagos and the potential for abuse of power.

The Government has been urged to investigate the matter and take appropriate action to restore the original name of the street.

Further investigation by our correspondent revealed that Adolphus Davies is a businessman with interests in the area.

Anonymous sources close to the matter alleged that he has been trying to acquire properties along the street and had been facing resistance from some property owners.

“It appears that Davies saw the renaming of the street as a way to gain control and legitimacy over the area,” said a source.

“But the family of Olu Akerele will not let this stand. They are fighting to protect their legacy and the history of the street.”

The Ikeja Local Government has yet to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, residents of the area are rallying behind the Akerele family, demanding that the original name of the street be restored.

“This is a clear case of fraud and manipulation,” said one resident. “We will not let Adolphus Davies get away with this. Olu Akerele Street is a part of our history and identity, and we will fight to protect it.”

The family’s petition has sparked outrage among residents and social media users who are demanding transparency and accountability in the management of public infrastructure.