Residents from several communities in Ogun State on Thursday marched barefoot to the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, protesting what they described as poor infrastructure, multiple taxation and inadequate attention to grassroots development.
The protesters, organised under the Make Ogun State Great Again movement, were drawn from communities including Ota, Sango, Oju, Ijoko, Abule Aro, Lambe, Akute, Papalanto, Iyana Iyesi, Orimerunmu, Ago Adura and Onibuku.
Speaking during the protest, the convener of the group, Olawoye Kayode, said the decision to march barefoot was symbolic of the economic hardship and challenges faced by residents. He alleged that roads, health facilities and electricity infrastructure had deteriorated in several communities despite government revenue.
Olawoye also accused the government of imposing multiple taxes on small traders and local transport workers. He called for immediate rehabilitation of neglected roads, increased funding for grassroots communities and a review of the taxation system.
The protesters further demanded greater transparency in the distribution of federal allocations and state revenues to local communities, as well as the implementation of local government financial autonomy to enable councils to address grassroots development needs.
Responding to the protesters, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (rtd.), commended them for conducting the protest peacefully. He said the governor was unavailable due to other engagements and had delegated him to receive the protesters and their demands.
Subair said the state government had recently approved the construction and reconstruction of several roads, with work already underway. He assured the protesters that their grievances and submitted documents would be presented directly to the governor for consideration and possible action.
He also urged the protesters to maintain peace and prevent hoodlums from hijacking the demonstration, assuring them that their concerns would be communicated to the state government.
