Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has cried out over the the news making the rounds on social media that the Governor has destroyed the statues of Afrobeats legend and social crusader, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and the late politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo – both erected at the roundabout on Allen Avenue in Ikeja.
Reacting to the claims on Thursday, January 16, 2020 Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde debunked the social media story. He said contrary to the malicious claims being spread by ill informed individuals, the statues were removed for the purpose of development.
Oladeinde added that the need to carry out Junction improvements in some identified locations necessitated the removal of street furniture, statues of very notable personalities, art works and billboards.
The Commissioner noted that Lagos State Government holds the nation’s heroes in very high esteem and would not do anything to bring down the exalted heights they have attained during their lifetime directly or indirectly.
He said: “the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, in a bid to finding a lasting solution to traffic gridlocks in the State, identified about sixty congestion points and have started work to improve traffic experience in five major locations.”
“The government duly informed and consulted the Fela Anikulapo-Kuti family before the action was taken, the whole process is for the benefit of Lagos residents. The Fela statue will be relocated to the roundabout between Allen Avenue and Opebi-Toyin Street.”
“We are in the process of erecting the beautiful work of art, depicting Fela Anikulapo-Kuti at the Opebi-Toyin street junction. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is also working on a befitting location to erect the old Obafemi Awolowo statue.”
