iDeemlawfulOyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has responded to a viral ritual carried out by aggrieved residents protesting the demolition of houses in the state.
The Oyo State government recently demolished buildings for the 500-metre Ibadan Circular Road corridor project. The demolition affects residents in Ido, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Akinyele, Oluyole, and Egbeda local government areas of the state.
For over a week, landlords and residents from the six LGAs staged continuous protests, accusing the government of extending the road corridor beyond earlier disclosures.
During the demonstrations, they performed the Yoruba ritual known as “Akara Ìkú” or “Akara Ẹmí” targeting Governor Seyi Makinde.
The ritual, staged at major junctions including Oje, Molete, and Challenge, involved frying and distributing bean cakes while invoking curses and issuing solemn warnings to the Governor.
The protesters accused Makinde of neglect, imposing unpopular monarchs, failing to pay salaries and gratuities, and abandoning local government administration.
Reports indicate that similar rituals were held in Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and Ogbomoso, signalling widespread discontent.
Palace elders have urged restraint, describing Akara Ìkú as a rare and potent traditional invocation. As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not released an official statement.
I’m not afraid of death – Makinde
However, on Monday, November 24, during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Makinde addressed the viral videos showing residents frying Akara in mock protest allegedly aimed at him.
“I saw videos of people frying Akara saying it’s for me on social media. Everyone will die one day; that’s not something to be ashamed of,” the governor said. “I am not bothered because when I took up this job, I came out voluntarily; you didn’t beg me.”
Speaking on the tension surrounding the demolition and compensation issues linked to the Circular Road corridor, Makinde assured residents that his administration has not closed the door on dialogue or humane solutions.
“We acknowledge that progress must be people-centered, and we remain committed to ensuring that development remains fair and inclusive,” he said.
Makinde reaffirmed his earlier pledge to visit the affected communities, engage with residents, and examine “all possibilities including resettlement in addition to compensation.”
He announced that the engagement would begin this week.
“I will honour the promise I made to visit, listen and explore all possibilities… and I will start this week Wednesday. I will visit Ologuneru. So, if you want to fry akara, meet me there; we will eat it together,” he said.
